He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17 NIV).

One day I stood watching our son, Robbie, through a large picture window overlooking beautiful grounds and a nearby lake. As he ran and played in the multi-colored leaves, I reveled in his exuberant behavior, knocking on the window only if he got too close to the water. Suddenly I wondered whether this is how God feels when He looks down on us. Could it be that He is filled with joy simply because we, His children, are enjoying the wonderful world He’s given us?

Too often, I realized, I had acted as though God found joy in me only when I was being productive or trying very hard to figure out His will. Many of my workaholic tendencies probably were rooted in that misconception. Understanding my feelings for my son helped me  get a better perspective on God’s feelings for me. This was an important revelation as I struggled for a healthier concept of God.

How amazing to know that God’s delights in me, loves me and rejoices over me, not because of what I have achieved, but simply because I am His!

Lord, help me live in the knowledge of your unconditional love.  Amen.

Photo: Our son, Robbie, about age 3, photoshopped into an appropriate setting by my husband!

(Devotional from Homespun Faith, Reflections from the Seasons of Life, copyright 2014 Daisy Beiler Townsend. Available as paperback or ebook: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Xulon Press. There are Links on this website on the Where to Buy Homespun Faith and Sarah’s Legacy page.  Locally at Fresh Grounds, M & M Grocery, Leanna’s Books, Penn Alps in Grantsville, Maryland, or from me 724-373-8445 or donaisy@neo.rr.com.)