In What Does the Lord Delight?

Psalm 147:10-11: "His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love."

Psalm 147 truly is a word of praise to the LORD for His awesome power and His unfailing love for those who are surrendered to Him. In verse 2, we find that the LORD is building up Jerusalem as He gathers the exiles from far away places. Whereas the context of this passage can include the gathering the Jewish people from their dispersion back to Jerusalem, one can see an eschatalogical significance in the LORD gathering the redeemed to the New Jerusalem, which will descend upon the new earth in eternity. It is then that the LORD will actually dwell with His people. How incredible is that? Our LORD will heal the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds. He will wipe away every tear, as there will no longer be any death, mourning, crying, or pain (Psalm 147:2-3, Revelation 21:1-4).

The Psalmist also notes the personal nature of our LORD. Even as the number of stars is so vast that we in our finite minds could never count them, the LORD knows each by name. He is Great. He is mighty in power. His understanding knows no limit! (147:5).

We then find that the LORD is not impressed with the abilities of man. Although we find in our fallen world a proclivity for man to attempt to impress his neighbor with his accomplishments, God knows the intent of the heart of man, and is not so swayed. God alone is so beyond our fallible abilities that He is not "wowed" by what we do or what we attain. Rather, our LORD delights in those who put their HOPE in His unfailing love and fear Him with reverential fear.

Of course, hope is tested in times of tribulation and temptation. In whom do we put our trust when we are in the depths of difficulty and despair? In whom do we hope when the Evil One barrages us with suggestions to defy the One True LORD in favor of our own selfish appetites? In whom do we long, even knowing that our physical demise is forthcoming (for in fact this is the eventual fate of every human being [Hebrews 9:27])? For those who put their hope in the LORD through submission and obedience, the LORD finds delight. Our reflection on our true dependence upon the LORD for everything, draws us to thoughts and behaviors that reflect our allegiance to the Almighty. We also become overwhelmed with the Greatness of the LORD to accomplish such things and His amazing love lavished upon us, even though we have been rebellious against Him through our sin.

Let us never forget the blessedness that we have in the grace and mercy of the King of Kings. Let us savor the privilege of such Love from the Almighty and revere Him as the Sovereign Ruler over our lives. Let us put our ultimate hope in His greatness and His goodness to us, for in such responses does the LORD delight.