Sunday Scripture

 

So today I am starting a new Sunday Scripture series.  I'm going to be posting about my simple study of a little devotional journal titled Reflections: The Woman God Sees., by Jane L. Fryar.   This was a journal my dear young friends Sam and Jennifer gave me as part of a set for a gift one year.  It has a daily devotional one works through -- I think around a month's worth.  It was a blessing to me when I worked through it, so I thought I would share here.

For this week, the featured verse was part of Isaiah 62:4 -- "The LORD delights in you."  The question was asked,  "So what does the Bible mean when it says the Lord delights in us?"  I chose to SOAP part of Isaiah 62 as I considered this question.

S= "Thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.
"Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.
" ... for the LORD delighteth in thee."  (Isaiah 62:2-4)

O= These verses speak of a time yet future, when Israel will be restored, when the nations will see its glory and righteousness.  

Concerning the phrase "new name" (v.2), if we look down to verse 4 we see God telling Israel that they would no longer be termed Forsaken, or Desolate, but they would be called Hepzibah (meaning "My delight is in her") and their land would be called Beulah (meaning "married".  This is where the expression and the hymns regarding "Beulah Land" originated.)

Cross-reference for "crown" (v. 3) --  "And the LORD, their God, shall save them in that day as the flock of His people; for they shall be like the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon His land."  (Zechariah 9:16)

Even though these verses are speaking of Israel, in a future day,  the basic principle does apply that God takes delight in His people.  He delights to see them walking with Him.

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delighteth in his way."  (Psalm 37:23)

Spurgeon wrote concerning the above verse: "All that concerns a saint is interesting to his heavenly Father.  God loves to view the holy strivings of a soul pressing forward to the skies.  In the trials and the joys of the faithful, Jesus has fellowship with them, and delights to be their sympathizing companion."

A= I am so encouraged by these thoughts! I think of how it blesses my heart when I see my grandchildren act in a thoughtful way or do something brave,  or when someone I've taught or mentored makes a God-honoring choice or decision.  God delights in me in that same way!

That awareness does indeed bring joy, and causes me to be inspired and encouraged to seek an ever-closer walk with Him.  "Just a closer walk with Thee!  Grant it, Jesus, this my plea."

P= "Lord, what a blessing it is to be reminded that You take delight in me, and that You love to see Your children walking in Your ways.  I pray that You will draw me into a closer walk with You every day.  In Jesus' name, Amen."

There is our simple study for this week!  I hope it was a blessing to someone today.