WOW! Do you see that? The Lord rejoices over us with singing! Though this is a verse from the Old Testament, written thousands of years ago, it is applicable to us today; for the LORD, Himself said, "I, the LORD, do not change" (Mal. 3:6; also see Heb. 13:8)

We already know that He is with us and that He is mighty to save us; He gave us His Spirit and His promise that He will never leave us that He'd be with us, always. He also sent His, Son, who laid down His sinless life for us, that we might live - that says it all. But let's meditate on these truths:

- The LORD will take great delight in you: To be honest, I never really think of the Lord delighting over me. I know that He is pleased with obedience, but I never pictured Him being greatly delighted in me. As I ponder this truth the picture of a father, who's sitting in his big overstuffed chair with a precious little one in his lap, (telling how much he loves them and how glad he is, that they are his) is vivid in my mind. Sincere love and true delight twinkle in his eyes as he speaks these words hugging them while placing a kiss on their cheek. What a precious picture of our Heavenly Father this is to me. And I thank You, Lord, for helping me to see You in great delight over us - Your precious beloved.

- He will quiet you with His love: My husband, John, was out of country several months back. Around the time he was due to come home, a horrible fear overcame me along with thoughts that he wasn't going to make it home and that I'd never see him again this side of heaven. This overwhelming thought was so real to me (even my evening devotional reading seemed to verify this) that I wept bitterly, pleading for the life of my husband, telling the Lord how I was scared and I didn't want to be alone, nor to go on alone. Gently He spoke to my heart, "You're not alone." and He quieted me with His love and peace. Between the sobs (I wept as though I was truly a widow) I found the Fathers quieting love and came to the realization that He truly was in control. That overwhelming thought and feeling didn't leave me until John walked through the door, boy, was I happy to see him and grateful to the Father! To this day I still don't know if the Lord interceded and allowed me to have John for a season or two more. This I do know, His love was so overwhelming and peaceful and it was (and still is) sufficient and calming.

- He will rejoice over you with singing: As a worshipper, this truth speaks to me in a very special way. I love to lift my voice in song to Him and it comes from the depths of my heart, as I have so much to be thankful for and have seen His mighty works in my life. But to think that He rejoices over me - with singing, Wow! Just imagine, the Lord (on His throne) rejoicing over us with a song! Maybe a song like, "Their hearts seek Me alone, their prayers lifted to My throne. Obedience is their desire, wanting to be refined in My fire. How pleased I am to see, My creation truly loves and worships only Me." I bet He has the most awesome sounding baritone voice!

"A God who is a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness; and You did not forsake them, even when they made themselves a calf of molten metal and said, "this is your god who brought you up from Egypt," and committed great blasphemies." (Nehemiah (9:17b-18) Praise His holy name all you, His people! For He is worthy of all glory and honor.

Heavenly Father, You are so awesome! Thank you for loving us so much that you are always with us. Thank You for sending Your Son to save us. Thank You for taking great delight in us and thank You for quieting us in Your wonderful love, and for rejoicing over us with a song. Such knowledge is unfathomable, but because You are true and just, we rest in believing Your word is true. Thank you from the depths of our heart. We worship and adore You; it's You we choose to serve and give our lives to. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Have a most joyous day in our joyous Lord!
April
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Encouragement From The Heart Website updated March 17, 2000 (note: web address changed).
http://www.geocities.com/correiaville/encourag.html there's a new page, "The Master's Garden" stop by and check it out!