Genuine Pleasures
Genuine Pleasures
The Lord values those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His faithful love. (Ps. 147:11)
My Pleasure
What brings you pleasure? Closing the deal? Viewing sunsets with your wife? Seeing your favorite team in a big win? Feeling a smooth golf swing? Driving your car? Admiring a trophy mount from your last hunt? Excelling in your position in the church? Having the corner office? Maintaining your house? Having great sex? Reviewing your portfolio? Lots of guys have many of these and still remain unhappy. Unhappiness and discontentment are epidemic in our society, despite the fact that we have a lot.
His Pleasure
What does God find pleasure in? Owning not only the cattle on a thousand hills, but owning the hills as well (see Ps. 50:10)? No, God finds pleasure not in the “stuff ” of life but in our daily attitude toward Him. One translation of Psalm 147:11 describes God as “pleased with” another says “God delights in” those who—what?—“fear Him.”
To fear God is to have a deep reverence of all He is and all He does so that it impacts the way you live. It’s an ever-present understanding that God hates sin. It means submitting to Him, obeying Him, and worshipping Him acceptably, with reverence and awe (see Heb. 12:28–29). It means acknowledging the ways He is working in your life and praising Him. And the Bible says it is foundational for a happy relationship with Him. Pleasing God brings us the greatest pleasure of all.
Bottom Line
Prioritize your life in terms of what pleases God.