Delighted

HOW GOD RELATES TO US AND WHY IT MATTERS

In October of 1963, President John F. Kennedy was leading the United States through racial tension, nuclear crisis, and space exploration. Magazine photographer Stanley Tretick was there to capture it all. One photograph in particular shows President Kennedy sitting behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office while his charming, not-yet-three-year-old son, John Jr., peeks hello from under the desk. Without realizing it, John Jr. has the affection, the attention, and access to one of the most powerful men in the world. There is no doubt—his dad delights in him. 

The tender image of John F. Kennedy and his son evokes emotion for anyone. If you’re a Christian, it’s especially meaningful because it’s a small glimpse into how God relates to us. We can play under the feet of our Creator, our Father in Heaven, and it’s no bother. 

THE AFFECTION OF GOD 

No matter how many times it’s heard, never let it become cliché: God loves us, and God loves you. Meditate on that for a minute. It is so astounding the Apostle John proclaims, “How can this be!?” Many times throughout Scripture, God’s love moves Him to act. For example, 1 John 4:10 says, “This is real love—not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son as a sacrifice to take away our sins” (NLT). God loves us because He is love, not because we are loveable. 

Additionally, God makes His affection undeniably known by the title He chooses for Himself: Father. He is not an estranged Father who gives us commands from afar. Rather, He desires to be deeply involved with all aspects of our lives to help grow and mature us. The maturing process means we get His blessing, yes, but we also receive His discipline. Though it doesn’t feel good at the time, it proves the legitimacy of our faith, “As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children.” God’s affection isn’t always shown in the ooey-gooey-feel-good moments of walking alone on a beach. It often shows up in the difficult, painful, and humbling experiences that shape our character. 

At the times of our lives when we sense Him the least, His protective eye has never wavered.

THE ATTENTION OF GOD 

Furthermore, God’s delight is revealed by the level of attention He pays to us. He knows us more intimately than we can understand, down to each hair on our head. Parents are notorious for having an eye on their kids and kids are notorious for being aloof to their parents when they are in their own little world. The same is true with God. At the times of our lives when we sense Him the least, His protective eye has never wavered.

Knowing God watches over us is a treasure because it provides a solid foundation amidst a very insecure world. As Christians, we are not exempt from hardship, but the God we worship is capable of carrying us through all things. Writer Marshall Segal elaborates, 

No crisis or circumstance can overwhelm Him. He is never surprised or shaken. He made all things, sustains all things, and rules all things, including every detail of our lives, even on the most difficult days. No hill is too high, or night too dark for Him. When what you can see only screams anxiety, see the strength of His power in all He has made. Surely the God who made the mountains ‘is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy’ (Jude 1:24). 

This world is perilous mentally, physically, and spiritually. Thankfully, our Father knows what we’ve been through and what’s still ahead, and amidst all of that He’s promised to never leave us nor forsake us. 

THE ACCESS OF GOD 

Finally, the way God invites us to come close to Him displays His delight. Instead of keeping us at arm’s length He offers for us to draw near, “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered Heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe…let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:14-16, NLT). In the worst of times—when we’ve been made aware of our sin— we’re most tempted to run and hide. But, because of Christ we can find mercy by running to God instead of away from Him. 

Practically, prayer gives us access to God 24/7. Again, it is something often taken for granted but if we stop to grasp the implications it will truly humble us. We don’t need to be in a specific building, taking a certain position. We can talk to God whenever we want and trust that He cares enough to listen. Author J.I. Packer describes what it’s like for God to answer our prayers, 

Not, indeed, that our Father in heaven always answers His children’s prayers in the form in which we offer them. Sometimes we ask for the wrong thing!…Good parents never simply ignore what their children are saying, nor simply disregard their feelings of need, and neither does God; but often he gives us what we should have asked for rather than what we actually requested. 

Our Father delights to communicate with us in all circumstances. We can rest in knowing that His answers are perfect even when we cannot see or understand. 

Like John Jr., most moments seem average to us—just another day crawling all over the floor at Dad’s work. But oh, what a great Dad we have! Let’s stop, gaze up at Him in awe, and cherish the delight He gives without measure. 

“Cheer up, Zion! Don’t be afraid! For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:16-17, NLT)

¹ Levy, C. (1999, July 20). Photographer A. Stanley Tretick, 77, dies. The Washington Post. ² 1 John 3:1 ³ Hebrews 12:7 ⁴ Luke 12:7 ⁵ Psalm 121:8 ⁶ Segal, M. (2019, Aug 14). The Lord can and will keep you. Desiring God. ⁷ Hebrews 13:5 ⁸ Packer, J.I. (1973) Knowing God. InterVarsity Press.