Day 2 - What Makes God Smile?
Psalm 147:11 (NLT)
"No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him,
those who put their hope in his unfailing love."
Have you ever tried really hard to make someone proud of you?
Maybe you wanted a parent's approval, a friend's affirmation, or recognition from someone you respect.
There's something inside us that wants to know we're doing enough.
Sometimes we carry that same mindset into our relationship with God.
We assume He must be most pleased when we're accomplishing great things, making good decisions, or doing something impressive for His kingdom.
But Psalm 147:11 paints a different picture.
God delights in those who fear Him and place their hope in His unfailing love.
Not necessarily the most talented. Not the most accomplished. Not the person who appears to have everything together.
He delights in people who trust Him.
Think about that.
You can have an ordinary day, accomplish nothing particularly impressive, and still bring joy to the heart of God through a life of reverence and trust.
Maybe the question isn't, "What can I do today to impress God?"
Maybe it's, "How can I trust Him more deeply today?"
Knowing His Name
El Roi — The God Who Sees Me
Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” Genesis 16:13 (NLT)
God doesn't overlook the quiet moments of your faith. He sees the prayers nobody hears, the obedience nobody notices, and the trust you choose when life is uncertain. You don't have to perform to get His attention. El Roi already sees you.
Heart Check
A Moment With Jesus
Father, thank You that Your love isn't based on my performance. Teach me to trust You even when I don't understand what You're doing. Let my life be marked by reverence, faith, and confidence in Your goodness. Amen.
Live It Out: Identify one worry you've been carrying and intentionally surrender it to God in prayer.
"No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him,
those who put their hope in his unfailing love."
Have you ever tried really hard to make someone proud of you?
Maybe you wanted a parent's approval, a friend's affirmation, or recognition from someone you respect.
There's something inside us that wants to know we're doing enough.
Sometimes we carry that same mindset into our relationship with God.
We assume He must be most pleased when we're accomplishing great things, making good decisions, or doing something impressive for His kingdom.
But Psalm 147:11 paints a different picture.
God delights in those who fear Him and place their hope in His unfailing love.
Not necessarily the most talented. Not the most accomplished. Not the person who appears to have everything together.
He delights in people who trust Him.
Think about that.
You can have an ordinary day, accomplish nothing particularly impressive, and still bring joy to the heart of God through a life of reverence and trust.
Maybe the question isn't, "What can I do today to impress God?"
Maybe it's, "How can I trust Him more deeply today?"
Knowing His Name
El Roi — The God Who Sees Me
Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” Genesis 16:13 (NLT)
God doesn't overlook the quiet moments of your faith. He sees the prayers nobody hears, the obedience nobody notices, and the trust you choose when life is uncertain. You don't have to perform to get His attention. El Roi already sees you.
Heart Check
- Do I sometimes feel like I have to earn God's approval?
- What situation in my life is inviting me to trust His love right now?
A Moment With Jesus
Father, thank You that Your love isn't based on my performance. Teach me to trust You even when I don't understand what You're doing. Let my life be marked by reverence, faith, and confidence in Your goodness. Amen.
Live It Out: Identify one worry you've been carrying and intentionally surrender it to God in prayer.