God's Three Delights

God tells us three things that give Him delight: "I am the Lord who is just and righteous, whose love is unfailing, and...I delight in these things" (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NTL).

Although God has inexhaustible wisdom, strength, and riches--the very things we are apt to boast in and admire in others--these are not His special delight. Instead, He finds great pleasure in His own justice, righteousness, and unfailing love. 

We're thankful for God's "justice" when wrong seems to prevail. Over 100 years ago, Maltbie Babcok wrote,
"This is my Father's world.
O let me ne'er forget
That tho' the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet."

In the end, we will see that every righteous deed was rewarded and every wrong punished. God delights in this knowledge.

"Righteousness," sometimes translated as integrity, tells us God has pleasure in what is right. We can trust God to answer our prayers, not because of our own righteousness or even because we are praying earnestly, but solely on the character of God, on His faithfulness to do right. It His righteousness that causes Him to keep His promises.

 His "unfailing love" assures us God has made us the object of His love and delight. Providing for His people is His priority. Now and always--not just ten years from now, but this moment--God is acting out of love for us and for those for whom we pray. 

Dear Lord, I want to delight in what You delight in--Your justice, righteousness, and unfailing love.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever" (2 Chronicles 20:21).