Lesson 74: Delight in God
When we delight in God our love for others increases and overflows and enables us to provide for their needs. We delight in God by enjoying all that He is that we see partly revealed in appreciating His handiwork in the world. The intricacy and care displayed in things He created gives insight into His mind, and the steadfastness with which He maintains a secure order speaks of His faithfulness and trustworthiness. God’s grace gives us the ability to love others joyfully even under circumstances of poverty and affliction. We need to ask Him for this grace as well as the grace to delight in Him. If we endure our trials with faith and patience God will give us the crown of life in the end. We can do this because the security of knowing our faith is solid and genuine helps us endure the trials. The insecurity of not knowing and so being uncertain about our salvation is more painful than the trial itself. Christ suffered willingly for the joy set before Him. For us this joy should come from the assurance that we are forgiven and will be raised to eternal life with God.
Psalm 71 & Deut.6-4: Because of God’s faithful care we are moved to fulfill in our lives God’s high purpose in saving and blessing us. God’s mighty acts on our behalf are evidence of His righteousness. We have the mature faith that God, who created and sustains everything, holds all things in His hands. His purpose for humankind is salvation from sin, judgment and evil. The serenity this gives us amidst the ragings of history and its chaos is the gift of faith for all who know and trust God.