In What Does God Take Pleasure?
Psalm 147:10-11, "He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. 11The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy."
The Lord consistently reminds us of the things which do not impress Him, and the things in which He takes pleasure. Today's passage is such an instance. We tend to measure things from the human perspective which causes us to lose power with God. Our thoughts, if expressed, would sound something like this, "I am going to strengthen myself by acquiring several fine horses, and capable fighting men." When God states, "He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man." So what does God want us to do? He is pleased when we fear Him and hope in His mercy.
Will Rice stated, "If you have strength, that is all the strength you are going to have. If you fear God, you will have all the strength that God has! You will never impress God by something you do, whether that is never making a mistake, or being brave enough, smart enough, etc. God is not impressed by what man is impressed with. Moses was afraid; God had strength. Gideon was afraid; God had strength. Jeremiah was afraid; God had more power than he could dream of! To impress God with our abilities is futile since He is the One who gave them to us in the first place! Verse 5 says, "Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite." God can help the weakest person because He knows the weakest person. God values our fear rather than our strength. When I fear God, I have all that I need, and I need not fear anything else. God will not be impressed by how spiritual, smart, or strong you are; God is impressed by people who are impressed by him."
Will you choose to impress the LORD by fearing Him and hoping in His mercy?
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
Ponder & Meditate
1. What things do you seem to depend upon other than God? How are you helped by them?
2. With what human thing are you most impressed? Does it impress God?
3. What does it mean to fear God?
4. Describe what one’s life might look like when he or she fears the Lord.