This Christmas was different in my household; no family or friends visited, and my husband worked both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I could have wallowed in self-pity and focused on how unfair life can be and how much I wished that my little family could have been together to celebrate the holidays. Instead, my husband and I decided to do something different this year- Christmas would be just for us.
Picture the scene-
Christmas Eve the holiday dinner is prepared, Christmas jazz playing in the background, the Christmas tree is sparkling, and candles are lit throughout the dark house. Dinner for two is served by candlelight, and we partake of a delicious meal, soft conversation, and an unhurried gift exchange.
Result: A delightful evening spent with a man that absolutely delights me.
Sounds funny to say the word delight.
Delight, delight, delight- an amusing give-and-take word.
The Dictionary defines delight as both “to take great pleasure” and “to give keen enjoyment.”
So, you could be the giver or receiver of delight simultaneously.
I realized that I very much like the word delight; especially when it comes from relationships and not things.
Material things never bring lasting delight. The joy fades when the enthusiasm or novelty wanes and something new commands attention for replacement.
Authentic delight within a relationship is precious and timeless.
Delight in a relationship means you just love being with that other person. The room lights up when they enter, you’d rather spend time with them than anyone else, they make you laugh, they bring you comfort and joy, and you feel safe in their presence. This type of delight can be found in marriage, friendship and even parent-child relationships.
Is there someone that pops into your mind when you think about them, and you just feel happy? It could be years since you've last seen them, but the moment you in are in their presence it's like no time has passed, you pick up right where you left off, and afterward you feel better, energized – delighted. That's authentic delight!
I am blessed that God has given me many delightful relationships from my husband, to my daughter and grandchildren, to close family and friends. They are treasures, and the delightful exchanges are priceless.
Yet, none of those relationships come close to the delight that is found in a relationship with God.
Amazingly, the word “delight” is found in the Bible approximately 110 times in various forms.
Pretty powerful word that should command our attention.
Strange that I’ve come this far in my life and never stopped to fully appreciate the importance of being delighted in the Lord.
Psalm 37:4 tells explicitly to “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
God delights in us, and He wants us to delight in Him. The very meaning of the word- to give and receive contentment and satisfaction is fulfilled in this exchange. Taking delight in the Lord means that our hearts find joy and fulfillment in His presence.
When we seek our satisfaction and worth in Christ, Scripture says He will give us the longings of our hearts. Longings that are not of material things, instead, self-worth, peace, happiness, joy, pleasure, enjoyment, contentment, satisfaction, and gratification.
PURE DELIGHT STRAIGHT FROM THE AUTHOR.
This world (possessions and people) can never truly satisfy our deepest desires, but if we choose to delight in God’s way, seek His presence and rejoice in His goodness, He will always provide more than we can hope or imagine.
Realize that when the things of this world fade and life dims there is only one thing that will remain- God's love for us- SO TAKE DELIGHT IN HIM!
It’s a great feeling and one that will never disappoint! Eternal. Timeless. Precious. Real.
Father, thank you that you are so generous and are the foundation of delight. All good things come from your hand and we are so blessed to be the recipients of your love and graciousness. Help us Lord to always prioritize the things that matter in this life and to align our desires with yours because it is in your will that contentment and satisfaction are found.
“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.” ~ Psalm 119:92-93