{My Psalm 71 Journey} Part 10: He delights in me

It's taken some time for the me to complete the final chapter of my Psalm 31 Journey blog series. Not sure why....other than the fact that I've been reflecting on what to share. Here goes.

It's been a little more than a year since I fell head deep into the pit. I feel so thankful to be at a completely different place now. In the last few months I feel like God has brought me full circle. I knew that God told me to not worry about "paying people back" and to just "receive." Yet, I was filled with joy when I recently realized that I had been able to serve those who had served me so much during such a difficult time. I was able to give back to them through childcare, time, meals. Not because I felt like I had to. In fact, at the specific moments of need, I didn't even connect the two situations. I did it because I was "full" again. I had the energy and joy and love to give away once again. The Lord healed me and brought me full circle to fill up others in their time of need.

And I am so, so thankful for that fact. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for seeing me through the fog. Indeed, "My lips will shout for you when I sing praise to you, I whom you have delivered.."

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Last December, slightly before Christmas....the Lord gave me a message. There have been times in my life when I feel like the Lord has very specifically spoken to me. Usually at these times, he not only tells me, but confirms it two of three other times....through a song, a sermon message, a friend. And that's what he did last Christmastime.

His message: "I delight in you."

A woman at church stopped me out the blue to tell me that God told her to tell me, "God wants you to know he DELIGHTS in you."

A few hours later, I got a text from another friend reminding me that "God is delighted with you, Janna."

Okay...I'm seeing a pattern. Then, it was confirmed in His Word.

"He delights in me." Psalm 18:19

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every details of their lives.” Psalm 37:23

"The LORD your God is with you, 'he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zeph. 3:17

Over the next few days and weeks. The message kept rolling around in my head. It was like a soothing balm on my journey to healing.

He delights in me. It made me feel a little giddy inside, kind of like the feeling you get when you find out a boy likes you.

He delights in me--the one he created. He completely understand me--and delights in it. He smiles at me. Not because of what I accomplished during the day. But just because I am me. He doesn't care if I haven't showered, if I didn't work out, if I let my kids watch 4 episodes of Shaun the Sheep. He simply delights in me.

It also brought a sense of peace--that HE sees me, and HE understands my heart. He knows what I pray and ponder. He knows my motives and secret thoughts (both beautiful and ugly). Even when my husband or dearest friends don't quite "get it," HE does--and he delights in me.

Maybe someone needs to hear that today. So LISTEN UP! The Lord DELIGHTS in you. Read that again--out loud: The Lord delights in ME. Absorb the truth of those words. Whisper it throughout the day. And feel the security, peace and joy that it brings.