“I delight greatly in the Lord...” (Isaiah 61:10)
At first glance this verse can seem like a classic Christian catchphrase of goodwill and joy, something to be found on fridge magnets and coasters. It would need to be followed by a situation or reason: I delight greatly in the Lord: for He has taken away my pain, forgiven my sins, given me a family.
But without that addition, stripped back and bare, reflection on these words has left me feeling challenged. What does it mean to delight in God regardless of our situation?” In seasons of grief and loss, how do we know that we can still come back to find joy and delight in Him?
Let the words play over in your mind.
“I delight greatly in the Lord.” This is not just something for the collective church to cling to in hard times, this is for you on a personal level. God has joys to give you in this very moment and every day afresh.
“I delight greatly in the Lord.” Good food, fond memories with friends and the warmth of the sun on our face: these all offer moments of joy and happiness that we look back on. But when reading this text, surely what God offers us is far greater and lasting than fleeting encounters! There is ‘great delight’ to be found for each of us, so great that it can carry you through whatever life throws our way.
“I delight greatly in the Lord.” There are good things for us to enjoy, but the biggest challenge is that this delight is to be found in the Lord. Not in His gifts, His will or His words, though these can all further our joys. When all is stripped away and laid bare, we are to find our delight in Him, His truth and unfailing love!
In Psalm 100 v 4, the Psalmist tells us to “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise”. Sometimes it can be hard to say it. ‘I delight greatly in the Lord’. So, come back to God and His presence as He draws you to Himself and leads you to that great delight.
What could you do today to create space and time to allow yourself to be drawn into God’s presence? Could you pick up a paintbrush, turn off your phone or go for a walk and through that find the great delight that can only be found in Him?
We invite you to join us as we journey slowly and prayerfully through Isaiah 61 - line by line over forty days.
