you

"He brought me forth into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me." Psalm 18:19

I was blessed to grow up with parents who were positive, supportive, and encouraging. The words "I am proud of you" are one of their greatest legacies to me. I knew they loved me and showed it in a variety of very important ways. I knew they were very glad that I was their son.

 

If you did not grow up with that kind of advantage then the concepts of grace and unconditional love will be harder for you to accept. One of the reasons we send Biblical messages of encouragement is to help you hear God’s words and to help you trust in His boundless, joyful love and draw closer to Him. Psalm 18:19 is one such verse.

David wrote this psalm after escaping repeated attacks from Saul and his armies. A man who could have been a mentor and encourager for David became an implacable enemy. Other Psalms reflect David’s anguish during this very rough period in his life. David responded by seeking God even more and looking to Him for the support. God delivered Him.

The key phrase I want you to focus on concerns the reason God delivered David: "because He delighted in me." This phrase is joyful and exuberant! God delighted in David!

And God delights in you. Let that sink in. "He delights in you!" Even though you may not have been programmed from your childhood to hear and accept such truth, or perhaps because you have suffered rejection in adulthood at the hands of people who were once very close to you, you must trust and believe that God delights in you. He knows you deeply and individually as if you were the only person to know. He is capable of that kind of sustained regard and focus on you. His verdict: "I take delight in you." And for that reason He will deliver you.

So whatever you face, or whatever handicap you have in life, accept God’s rich love for you. 

Trust in it. 

Rely on it.

-dave langerfield