Delighting

For some, it might seem to require too much investment of time, effort, and resources, but for the one delighting in an activity or discipline, it is worth it all. That sport, instrument, game, technical skill, or social engagement that doesn’t inspire, motivate, or gratify one person in the least is the very thing that brings joy, fulfillment, and even abundance to the one who delights in every moment given to it. With the onset of technology, there has been a great shift in where efforts are spent, along with effects on some of life’s successes. Diversions from a significant purpose can significantly impact what the heart delights in. While there is a natural tendency to be drawn to what readily brings the most pleasure, this can still be affected by what is intentionally seen and experienced. Withdrawing from the culture that surrounds an activity will diminish delight in it, while increasing the influence of its world will greatly heighten the drive to develop in it. The reward, though, will always be commensurate with the delight cultivated for its discipline.

In Christ, we’ve received an incredible free gift of abundant life. However, to experience it by faith, there is a need to develop in faith’s actions and declarations. The benefits that would be desirable in life are not just poured out on a heart that has no delight in the One who provided them. The many diversions and pleasures of this world’s culture can greatly diminish the encounter of God’s blessings. This can be effectively reversed, though, by intentionally pursuing the presence of the One from whom all blessings flow. It’s in the delight of Him that the heart will be driven to gladly enage in whatever it takes to know Him more. Then, in this revelation, the heart’s desires become adjusted to align with the Father’s and become accessible by faith. Rather than remaining indifferent to our Father, the Great I Am, we can cultivate delight in Him by choosing to occupy His culture and His ways. If we seek Him, He, along with all His goodness, will be found, experienced, and delighted in.

Notes

The greatest conflict of this time – pleasure vs God

2 Timothy 3:2-5 (NKJV) 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Loving the Father displaces love of the world.

1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV) 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

We can intentionally affect what we delight in.

Psalms 1:1-2 (NKJV) 1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.

Choosing our mentors determines our delight.

2 Chronicles 17:6 (NKJV) - Jehoshaphat 6 And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; moreover he removed the high places and wooden images from Judah.

Choosing our delight transforms our heart and its benefits.

Psalms 37:4-5 (NKJV) 4 Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

Delighting engages the heart over religious traditions.

Matthew 15:8-9 (NKJV) 8 ‘THESE PEOPLE DRAW NEAR TO ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, AND HONOR ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME. 9 AND IN VAIN THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN.’

Draw near with purpose to delight.

Hebrews 10:19-22 (NKJV) 19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Be intentionally impacted by His presence

James 4:8 (NKJV) 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Overview:

What we delight in engages our heart with passionate commitments.
Where we take pleasure determines our destiny.
Delighting is much more than a method of discipline – requires the heart.
We can impact what we delight in by choosing our environment and mentors.
By drawing near to God we can affect what our heart delights in.
Our place is secured by the blood, but our delight is our choice.

Prayer:

Father, You are of far greater worth in beauty and pleasure than anything the world can offer. In drawing near to You now by the blood of Jesus, I repent of giving my heart to anything above You. As I take my place in Your presence wash over me with the wonder of You and delight my heart with Your glory.