Different and Better - Friday
TODAY’S VERSE
Zephaniah 3:17b
He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. (NIV)
This past summer, my son Riley turned 17, which meant it was time to get a summer job. After numerous applications and interviews, he was hired and started working at Chick-fil-A. For the first couple of weeks, my wife and I intentionally stayed away from the restaurant. We didn’t want him to feel flustered or embarrassed by having his parents there.
Before long, though, we decided to stop by while he was working. When we walked in, he was standing at the register, taking orders and filling drinks. He seemed completely comfortable and confident in what he was doing. At first, it honestly felt a little strange. This was our little boy, and now he was doing a grown-up job. Once we got over the initial shock, we stood for a few minutes and watched him (hopefully not in a creepy way… lol). Eventually, we ordered and went on our way.
From time to time, when we know he’s working, we’ll stop by Chick-fil-A. Whether we go through the drive-thru or head inside, there’s always a moment while we’re waiting that we get to simply watch him. We’re proud and excited, of course, but more than that, we’re just watching someone we love. He doesn’t have to be doing anything special: taking orders, refilling drinks, chatting with coworkers. We’re there simply to delight in him.
That image of us quietly watching Riley do his job is how I picture this verse. It’s a proud father who just wants to be with his child. I imagine God watching me while I send emails, meet with volunteers, or make phone calls. From my perspective, I’m not doing anything extraordinary; I’m just living my life. But to God? He’s watching His child. He’s delighting in me. I don’t have to earn this. I simply need to receive His love and forgiveness.
APPLICATION
If you haven’t accepted the love and forgiveness God is offering, take a few moments now to step toward Him. Talk to Him. Thank Him. And after you do, we’d love to talk with you and help you take whatever next step comes next.
If you’ve already stepped into His salvation, take a deep breath. Remember: He’s already proud of you. He’s already forgiven you. You don’t have to earn anything. Simply be with Him… and let Him delight over you.
PRAYER
Ask God to help you stop striving for approval and to rest in the truth that He already delights in you. Thank Him for loving you as His child, even in the ordinary moments of life.