I live a very busy life as a wife, small business owner, nurse, and most of all, mom. I am constantly pouring out of myself into the lives of others. It’s fabulous, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. But that doesn’t mean it’s not exhausting. It doesn’t mean it’s not hard. It doesn’t mean I’m immune to depression or rage just because I’m blessed with four precious daughters. In the chaos and flustered rush I’m actually more prone to these things. That’s just how it is.
Late last night I felt led to open up a daily devotional book that I honestly only get around to occasionally. I enjoyed the message within, but quickly went to bed as I was beat. The obscure verse had left my mind completely until it popped up again this morning in a totally different Bible plan I was reading.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
It was at that moment I felt the Lord speak to my heart. To me, the busy mom, the weary woman, the hustling business lady, the overwhelmed, but loving wife. But mostly, the daughter. The daughter of a king, I was, but not just that. I was adored. The thought still took me off guard most days.
God said,
I delight in you.
So many days I gave so much of myself towards the people and things that I loved that I forgot how important it was for me to remember that I was loved. Sure, I knew my husband loved me, and the kids did too. But what woman doesn’t struggle through some days picking up stray toys, serving the needs of her family, working to help provide, and wonder for a moment if she’s appreciated.
I delight in you.
The fact is in any given day I would never complete all the many things I desired to complete. I just wouldn’t. But I could do this. I could take a moment to sit at my Father’s feet and allow Him to pour His love out upon me. I could relish in His delight, bask in His presence, and know that despite any challenges I faced on the daily that I was not alone. My Lord went before me and made the way, but most importantly, when I lost my way He was there.
I delight in you.
So even when I fouled up, messed up, and made a general mess of it all He still felt the same way about me. He didn’t measure my worth by what I could accomplish. He loved me regardless. And not only that; He was proud of me. Ha. Imagine that?!
With that knowledge in my heart I knew I could face any day because I did not face it alone. I walked with a Father who took delight in me. Sometimes that’s what we all need to hear.
