January 2007

We're off to a new year. 

Will we feel loved this year? Will the little desperate part of us that yearns for grace mesh into the Source of the grace, our God and Savior?

I was thinking about my friend Jim Palmer. A link off his website divinenobodies.com has his blog entries. It's good stuff. I would also like to say "ya’ll" would enjoy his book. Jim is very transparent and honest about his weakness, and his journey. We all can learn from Jim. It’s refreshing.

The gist I gleaned of a December entry was surprisingly poignant to me. essentially, he talked about his view of God and redemption. One thing he said resonated deeply for me, and I wonder about it too. Do we realize that Jesus did not save us from God but from sin?

I think many of us have been taught that God is continually angry with us. As if his predominant mood is displeasure. This, I believe, is a stone cold lie. God's predominant disposition is that of mercy. In my tainted way, I use to think this was more like a bummed out, “I saved your butt again” kind of mercy. He would be shaking his head, wondering when we’d grow up or be good for a change. I didn’t think God smiled much.

But this is what we are. We are God’s workmanship. And more importantly Jesus is perfect. He became us, so we could become him. Since Jesus paid our price, God is ever pleased with us, in the same way his love in unfailing. I don’t think he’s disappointed constantly, like I use to. I think we crack him up "laughing" (or whatever) sometimes. Not because we are low and ridiculous, but because we are his delight.

Having kids taught me about unconditional delight. Not that I enjoy everything my kids do, but I do delight in simply seeing their faces. they can do nothing, and I am very pleased. They can do wrong, and I love them and want the best for them. I get this grace this just a bit more now.

How can I be so sure God delights in us? The Bible say He delights in his Son, and when he sees us, he sees his Son. By his blood we are healed.

Maybe dwell on this verse, my friends.

Psalm 16:3

As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.