The Never Ending Gifts

Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. I’ve also seen God’s love for me in the blessings he’s showered me with over the years, and the way he’s rescued me from many dire situations. But the full weight of God’s love for me didn’t penetrate my heart until recently.

While singing a worship song at church, I balked at a certain line. The song, based on the Song of Solomon, speaks of our intimacy with God by saying, “I am my Beloved’s and He is mine.” So far so good. But in the last verse, I had a hard time inviting God to “Take delight in me, take delight in me.” Why couldn’t I sincerely say these words?

At face value, the phrase seemed a little conceited. But I soon realized my problem went much deeper. I didn’t feel worthy. Yes, God could love poor little me, but delight in me? Really?

Then I thought about my “beloveds”−my husband and kids. When I see them, my heart jumps for joy. I know them intimately, including their shortcomings, and love them deeply. Nothing delights my heart more than being with them. Could it be God feels this way about me, too? I worked at wrapping my mind around the possibility.

And did I love and trust God enough to invite him into such intimate fellowship with me? Could I throw open my arms and allow such complete scrutiny? The thought made me feel vulnerable and shy. But if God really is my beloved, why be afraid?

The next time we sang that song, I tentatively tried out the words. “Delight in me, delight in me.” With each repetition, I seemed to believe and mean it more until finally the reality of God’s love broke through to my soul. It felt warm and fuzzy, exciting, and a little intimidating all at the same time. In the end, I felt closer to my Savior than ever before. More secure. More treasured. More loved.

Somehow, this deeper intimacy with God shifted my outlook and mood to a higher plane, and it’s remained there ever since. From now on, I’m drinking the whole glass of God’s loving acceptance and delight in me, as I also delight more fully in Him.

Would you like to try this song yourself? Click on “Where I Belong” by Cory Asbury  below. (You can get to the last verse/bridge quicker by sliding the bar at the bottom to about halfway.)