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We Delight in the Lord Because God Delights in Us!

Prayer for Emotional Healing

1 Jun

It may sound like a wild zigzag line from checking out new parents’ social media feeds to learning that God delights in us and then how to delight in the Lord!  It’s a straighter line than you may think.

God delights in you

photo credit: Kingdom Bloggers

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I love seeing the transformation of new mommas on social media; the updates on pregnancy or adoption woes, the photos of the trials and triumphs, all in anticipation of a new love.

Then, inevitably, the New Love is more than expected and there’s an apology post about how they’d promised themselves they wouldn’t be “that mom” who gushed several times a day with pictures of spit bubbles or seemingly shocking updates like “She loves milk!”, but truly, this baby’s love of milk and ability to make spit bubbles is special.

It is beautiful watching this love unfold!  And it is such an important developmental stage. Falling this deeply is vital preparation for the road to come with all its tough, rocky, treacherous patches.

God delights in us

The following verse, over any other, reminds me of new parenthood.

The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing.”                                                                                                                Zephaniah 3:17 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

Not recalling any difficulty leading up to this day.  Just rejoicing over the one you’d give it all for.  It is glorious.

Oh, the balancing act.  To snap and post, or savor sweetly?  Deeply pondering whether friends would forgive one more update on this little world changer.  Falling in love with God, an incredibly sweet world changer, and being consumed with his words, can create similar questions.

We delight in the Lord Because God Delights in Us

Those conversations where every syllable is saturated in excitement because you and a friend exchange verse after ancient verse that pertain to the current situation, make the heart turn somersaults.  Maybe it was a joking reference to one another as “Pilgrim” with a John Wayne twang.  Maybe it was a deeper, empowering encouragement to “fear not”, recalling poetic references on God’s ever-present proximity.

Whatever the subject matter, I walk away from these exchanges with laughable joy in the nerding-out over Jesus.

But let all who passionately seek you erupt with excitement and joy over what you’ve done! Let all your lovers, who continually rejoice in the Savior, say aloud, “How great and glorious is our God!”                                                    Psalm 70:4, The Passion Translation (TPT)

This awakening in our hearts is a gift!  The ability to listen, learn, and love is at the core of our human existence.  To do these things well brings growth and great skill.  Both of which are needed to navigate the path when it becomes dark and treacherous.

Make God the utmost delight and pleasure of your life, and he will provide for you what you desire the most.          Psalm 37:4 The Passion Translation (TPT)

God himself, the creator of love and science, desires that we find delight in him.  Doing so is transforming and all-consuming.  It is a safeguard to our hearts when what we “desire most” is no longer anchored to people and things.  Those needs don’t go away but our wants change.  Our attitude is miraculously changed, or in my experience, “miraculously remedied”.

Gratitude in Knowing God Delights In Us

God delights in us, no matter how we’ve measured up that day, putting it all aside to rescue us with mighty love, to quiet us with singing. Not that our actions don’t have consequences.  They just don’t affect how deeply he loves us.  It is no wonder that when we receive this love, it erupts from us and our desires are remedied; no longer valuing quick fixes but seeking long-term, unshakable joy. We want more understanding of his mysteries and we seek hard after his answers.  It is a whole new “fix”!

And when the sleepless nights and relentless decision-making burden us, we can cling to this love, having strength to be content, whether full or hungry, in lack and in abundance.  This hope, born of walking through troubles with his help, does not put us to shame.

Acknowledging him in our everyday interactions, whether in silent recognition or in conversations with others, shouldn’t be seen as silly but as an opportunity for mutual delight with our Father.  It seems he finds all our nerding out absolutely delightful!

Learn More about Seeking Sacred in the Everyday

God delights in us Bible Verses

Here are a few more verses to consider as we remember that God delights in us. They also give us the courage to seek him first in all we do, taking delight in the Lord. How beautiful that this is a reciprocal feeling!

His love broke open the way
and he brought me into a beautiful broad place.
He rescued me—because his delight is in me!
Psalm 18:19 The Passion Translation (TPT)

 

When your words came, I ate them;
they were my joy and my heart’s delight,
for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.                                                                                                                   Jeremiah 15:16 New International Version (NIV)

 

But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The Lord is great!”                                                                                                                                                      Psalm 70:4 New International Version (NIV)

 

Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.                                                                                                                                               Psalm 63:3 New International Version (NIV)

Don’t we all need more love?  Love that is better than life?  Better than love for a new life even, with all its sweet discoveries? The roller coaster of “Am I doing this right?  Am I good enough?  Am I ever going to rest?  But oh, look at that sweet face!” All questioning is settled as we erupt with joy over the loving-kindness that abounds in a personal relationship with Jesus.

 

Prayer: God, thank you for delighting in me. For singing over me. For loving me in a way I can’t quite comprehend.  Give me a heart that is obedient to trust you in all things, all the days of my life.  You are good.  You are worthy of praise.  I thank you for your love that is better than life itself and stand amazed at how freely you pour it out for us.  In all things, no matter what I face, your love is strong and sure.  I have much to be thankful for.  Let me never trade anything for the gracious love you give. Shape me to mirror you that you might find delight in me, too!

Resources:

My sweet tribe of a book club read Gratitude Works! by Robert A. Emmons last November. I was expecting a pragmatic approach, and while that’s true with its “homework” type assignments and scientific data on how gratitude changes the brain, there’s a definite spiritual lean. Perfect if you’re like me and have a hard time separating science from spirit anyway!

8 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    06/05/2018 at 11:29 am

    First, reading your stuff makes me want to toss my “pen” away 😘 kidding, not kidding! Second, LOVED how you compared that Zeph passage with a mom’s love of her babe 😍 That is my most fave in whole Bible but never made that connection before. Thank you. Third, loved all the scripture you used and really love the passion version. I’ve never heard of it and can’t wait to check it out. Fourth, I know there’s more but I’ve lost track with my head so I may comment again after rereading. Love ya, Sista Grace 💛

    Reply
    • admin says

      06/05/2018 at 3:33 pm

      1) You crazy! But thanks. 2) That Zeph passage is so beautiful. I made the connection looking for a verse to include in Nora’s lunchbox birthday card at VPK. I think I was searching for singing or something…but when I found it, it was a zinger for me, too. I mean, we gather round our babies and celebrate them ALL the time, then to think He does too…pretty powerful image! 3) I thought this was you from the first sentence and had mentally confirmed it by the “Fourth…”. 4) That’s before the Sister Grace line. So 5) your voice resonates and is so true to you, I don’t need to even see a name! 6) I love the TPT, too. Sister Rare turned me onto it after hearing some of it at a conference last month. It is poetic and I love it! 7) I’m gonna work on a Sister name for you. Love you, too!

      Reply
  2. Anonymous says

    06/05/2018 at 11:33 am

    Why I’m “anonymous” I do not know! I’ll get to fixing that but I remembered fourth. Shane and Shane have a Psalms Love album and have a cover of Psalm 63. It’s so good! They’re all good, really 😗 It’s Kacy, btw

    Reply
  3. Amelia Maness-Gilliland says

    08/15/2018 at 2:25 pm

    I love love love this! I really appreciate the scripture passages- such beautiful reminders and perfect for notecards that can serve as bookmarks, lunch box surprises and decorations for my refrigerator 💗

    Reply
    • admin says

      08/15/2018 at 2:28 pm

      Such great ideas! Would also be fab for phone lock screens. I feel a visit to Canva coming on…! 😜

      Reply
  4. Robert says

    08/15/2018 at 3:06 pm

    This is great! Thanks for writing this up. It’s a great reminder to see that God does delight in us and that as we delight in him he changes our desires so that he becomes the thing we desire most.

    I think the verse in Psalm 37:4 probably more accurately reads as “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you (ie place in you) the desires of your heart” rather than that he will give you what you most desire. So God is less like a genie who is granting whatever your hearts desire, (which is how some could read that verse) and more that, in line with what you’re already saying, as we delight in him he gives us godly desires that are borne out of him which take root in our heart.

    Reply
    • admin says

      08/16/2018 at 9:45 pm

      Oh, I like that “place in you”, which then prompts me to think “create in you”. Basically, we’re talking a full heart transplant! Thanks so much for reading, commenting, encouraging & making me think on the process even deeper.

      Reply
  5. Ryan @ SpiritualParent.org says

    08/17/2018 at 11:57 am

    Love this focus on delight. Such a wonderful thing to strive for each day. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Rachel, the writer behind Holistic Faith Lifestyle. I often find myself searching for ways to preserve presence of mind and impart some gentleness to the blink-and-you'll-miss-it pace of life.  I love sharing ways I've found to tend the mind, body, spirit connection in a way that honors God and all that is divinely created. Read More

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Just a snippet from this weekend’s 7–min reset Just a snippet from this weekend’s 7–min reset; a mini Lectio Divina on the nearness of God and all that satisfies and provides for us. 

Join me in seeking sacred in the everyday with this sweet practice.
⤵️
Just follow the link in the @holisticfaithlifestyle bio. 
⤵️
Then click the YouTube Meditations button. 
✨ 🤍 ✨

#lectiodivina #nearnessofgod #godisnear #closerthanbreath #pneuma #spiritofgod #godintheordinary #seekingsacred #seekingsacredintheeveryday #seekingsacredeverywhere #everydaysacred
Spending some quiet time in the studio this mornin Spending some quiet time in the studio this morning. Noticing this sweet messenger. And letting it resonate how my reaction was anything but, “it’s about time, EASTER lily. What steps can you take to improve your timing next year?”

Prayers for all us to rest as needed amidst the waves of life and thought. 

#sabbathmargin #sabbath #sabbathrest #sabbathmeditation #sabbathreflections #sabbathmindfulness #sabbathworship #sabbathkeeper #sabbathbythesea #sabbathblessings #sabbathflow #sabbathing
I wrote this prayer for my husband and hope it sup I wrote this prayer for my husband and hope it supports you in your own Father's Day prayer time. 

Like all holidays anchored in familial ties, Father's Day can be full of any combination of emotions.

So I'm also praying for you to become even more deeply aware of the inseparable love of God that hems you in on all sides. 

Check out the video by following the link in my @holisticfaithlifestyle bio. Then click the YouTube Meditations button.
New series kicks off in the HFL Membership this Mo New series kicks off in the HFL Membership this Monday. Hope to see you there!

Not a member yet? Watch the video & see if it’s right for you! 

To get there:
Follow the link in @holisticfaithlifestyle bio.

Click YouTube Meditations.

Watch & then check the video description for a link to subscribe & get your free trial!

#christiancontemplative #christiancontemplation #contemplativemeditation #centeredprayer #lectiodivina #visiodivina #ignatiancontemplation #ignatianinspiration #getstill #bestillandknow #christianmeditation #scripturemeditation #onearthasitisinheaven
If you’re inclined to take action, here are a fe If you’re inclined to take action, here are a few orgs you may like to check out.

@sandyhookpromise 

@childrensdefensefund 

@prevention_institute 

@everytown
No fluff. No list of specific reasons or identifie No fluff. No list of specific reasons or identifiers or labels as to why this day can be hard. Or easy. Or full of sunshine. 

“Just” the soul edifying stuff of looking toward God’s promises to provide love, faithfulness, grace, and mercy from generation to generation. Trusting it just in this moment. 
And praying that it take root and build as you walk in faith. 

And somehow, it molds itself to fit every heart shape. Because they’re God’s words, not mine. And that’s what the words of our good and gentle God do. 

Be blessed. 😌

Take 3-5 min (it’s a short, adaptable practice) in prayer meditation to reset. 

You’ll find the video in the link at the @holisticfaithlifestyle bio. Click it & look for the YouTube Meditations button. 

#mothersdayprayer #whenmothersdayishard #godsgotus #godlovesus #godlovesusall #goodgod #gentlegod #fiercegod #godasmother #godasmotherhen #godasfather #mothersday2022 #hopeasananchor #anchoredinchrist
So for May’s membership bundle, we’ll anchor o So for May’s membership bundle, we’ll anchor ourselves in the TRUTH of our identity in Christ. And within that theme, I'm excited to share the “Greater” flower essence blend with you. It draws inspiration from John 3:30 - He must become greater; I must become less. 

This is the very 1st flower essence blend I’ve created with a specific Christ-centered theme!

It’s pretty curious stuff, right?!? 

You can answer a lot of questions at the @holisticfaithlifestyle bio!

Follow the link you find there ⤴️ & get to both of these places ⤵️⤵️

1️⃣ the YOUTUBE button for a quick video on how it all works together!

2️⃣ if you’re ready to jump in, you can SUBSCRIBE from this page, too. { Sign up & I’ll send you a 7-day free trial plus 40% off if you decide to stay. ❤️🙏🏼❤️}

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Having fun designing the studio set for the May se Having fun designing the studio set for the May series, Unfolding Your Identity in Christ!

It will kick off this weekend with a special communion practice on YouTube! 

{Wine & bread optional but I’ll have mine. I only wish we could break bread together in real life!}

Then in the Membership, we will carry on throughout the month looking at this subject the holistic faith way – including God in our mind, body, spirit, emotions, and relationships. 

See you there!

Just follow the link in my @holisticfaithlifestyle profile & choose Membership. 
💙💛💙
In the last few HFL emails, I’ve talked about be In the last few HFL emails, I’ve talked about being mindful of “little resurrections” - or new life coming from unexpected places and letting them draw your attention toward God.

And so this single dewberry was for me! Nature is such an easy place to find God just hanging out. Doing God stuff.

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Just a snippet from this weekend’s 7–min reset Just a snippet from this weekend’s 7–min reset; a mini Lectio Divina on the nearness of God and all that satisfies and provides for us. 

Join me in seeking sacred in the everyday with this sweet practice.
⤵️
Just follow the link in the @holisticfaithlifestyle bio. 
⤵️
Then click the YouTube Meditations button. 
✨ 🤍 ✨

#lectiodivina #nearnessofgod #godisnear #closerthanbreath #pneuma #spiritofgod #godintheordinary #seekingsacred #seekingsacredintheeveryday #seekingsacredeverywhere #everydaysacred
Spending some quiet time in the studio this mornin Spending some quiet time in the studio this morning. Noticing this sweet messenger. And letting it resonate how my reaction was anything but, “it’s about time, EASTER lily. What steps can you take to improve your timing next year?”

Prayers for all us to rest as needed amidst the waves of life and thought. 

#sabbathmargin #sabbath #sabbathrest #sabbathmeditation #sabbathreflections #sabbathmindfulness #sabbathworship #sabbathkeeper #sabbathbythesea #sabbathblessings #sabbathflow #sabbathing
I wrote this prayer for my husband and hope it sup I wrote this prayer for my husband and hope it supports you in your own Father's Day prayer time. 

Like all holidays anchored in familial ties, Father's Day can be full of any combination of emotions.

So I'm also praying for you to become even more deeply aware of the inseparable love of God that hems you in on all sides. 

Check out the video by following the link in my @holisticfaithlifestyle bio. Then click the YouTube Meditations button.
New series kicks off in the HFL Membership this Mo New series kicks off in the HFL Membership this Monday. Hope to see you there!

Not a member yet? Watch the video & see if it’s right for you! 

To get there:
Follow the link in @holisticfaithlifestyle bio.

Click YouTube Meditations.

Watch & then check the video description for a link to subscribe & get your free trial!

#christiancontemplative #christiancontemplation #contemplativemeditation #centeredprayer #lectiodivina #visiodivina #ignatiancontemplation #ignatianinspiration #getstill #bestillandknow #christianmeditation #scripturemeditation #onearthasitisinheaven
If you’re inclined to take action, here are a fe If you’re inclined to take action, here are a few orgs you may like to check out.

@sandyhookpromise 

@childrensdefensefund 

@prevention_institute 

@everytown
No fluff. No list of specific reasons or identifie No fluff. No list of specific reasons or identifiers or labels as to why this day can be hard. Or easy. Or full of sunshine. 

“Just” the soul edifying stuff of looking toward God’s promises to provide love, faithfulness, grace, and mercy from generation to generation. Trusting it just in this moment. 
And praying that it take root and build as you walk in faith. 

And somehow, it molds itself to fit every heart shape. Because they’re God’s words, not mine. And that’s what the words of our good and gentle God do. 

Be blessed. 😌

Take 3-5 min (it’s a short, adaptable practice) in prayer meditation to reset. 

You’ll find the video in the link at the @holisticfaithlifestyle bio. Click it & look for the YouTube Meditations button. 

#mothersdayprayer #whenmothersdayishard #godsgotus #godlovesus #godlovesusall #goodgod #gentlegod #fiercegod #godasmother #godasmotherhen #godasfather #mothersday2022 #hopeasananchor #anchoredinchrist
So for May’s membership bundle, we’ll anchor o So for May’s membership bundle, we’ll anchor ourselves in the TRUTH of our identity in Christ. And within that theme, I'm excited to share the “Greater” flower essence blend with you. It draws inspiration from John 3:30 - He must become greater; I must become less. 

This is the very 1st flower essence blend I’ve created with a specific Christ-centered theme!

It’s pretty curious stuff, right?!? 

You can answer a lot of questions at the @holisticfaithlifestyle bio!

Follow the link you find there ⤴️ & get to both of these places ⤵️⤵️

1️⃣ the YOUTUBE button for a quick video on how it all works together!

2️⃣ if you’re ready to jump in, you can SUBSCRIBE from this page, too. { Sign up & I’ll send you a 7-day free trial plus 40% off if you decide to stay. ❤️🙏🏼❤️}

#christianmeditation #christianfloweressences #christcentered #christcenteredlife #healingwithflowers #floweressencepractitioner #findinggodinnature
Having fun designing the studio set for the May se Having fun designing the studio set for the May series, Unfolding Your Identity in Christ!

It will kick off this weekend with a special communion practice on YouTube! 

{Wine & bread optional but I’ll have mine. I only wish we could break bread together in real life!}

Then in the Membership, we will carry on throughout the month looking at this subject the holistic faith way – including God in our mind, body, spirit, emotions, and relationships. 

See you there!

Just follow the link in my @holisticfaithlifestyle profile & choose Membership. 
💙💛💙

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