0398. 391. God’s Delights

391. God’s Delights

There are certain things in which God finds pleasure and satisfaction.

1. Christ. “In whom My soul delighteth” (Isa_42:1). He delighted in what He is—the Holy One; He delighted in the death He died, for it was well-pleasing to Him; He delighted in the work He performed; He delighted in the obedience He gave; He delighted in the testimony He bore; He delighted in the words He uttered; and He delighted in His delight to do His will—Psa_40:8.

2. Cross. “He delighted in Him” (Psa_22:8). The enemies of God said this of Him sneeringly, because He did not relieve Christ from the Cross. They knew not the loving purpose of God, nor the necessity of that atoning death, hence the contempt in their utterance.

3. Men. “My delights were with the sons of men” (Pro_8:31). It seems as the Lord desired the companionship of men, so He became a Man among men, that men might become the sons of God.

4. “A Good Man.” “He delighteth in His way” (Psa_37:23). When a man has his steps ordered by the Lord, he is a pleasure to the Lord. Seneca says, “He who would make his travels delightful must first make himself delightful.”

5. Prayer. “The prayer of the upright is His delight” (Pro_15:8). It is the upright man’s prayers which are a joy to Him. What a motive to be upright, and what an inspiration for the upright to pray.

6. Mercy. “He delighteth in mercy” (Mic_7:18). Mercy is love’s benediction blessing the undeserving. His mercy is not a dole thrown out, but the grace of God bestowed upon us with joy.

7. Justness. “A just weight is His delight” (Pro_11:1). God takes note of the actions of men. He puts a bad mark against frauds, cheats, hypocrites, and profiteers; and a good mark against those who give sixteen ounces to the pound.

By: DR. F. E. MARSH