Good morning! The other day I was looking through photos on my phone and came across a picture of Josh standing at his band concert as he was being recognized for his musical accomplishments this year. But the way he was waving and the face he was making as the camera captured the moment is truly priceless! I began to think about how happy I am because of him!
I went to our family group chat and sent him a text that said, “JOSH!!! You make me and mom SO HAPPY!! 🤟🏼” My eyes began tearing up just thinking about what a joy it is to have him in our lives.
Sometimes the kid drives me crazy but I am so thankful for the impact that he continues to have on my life. Our relationship is a little bit of everything: I’m his Dad, his brother, his best friend, his mentor, his coach, and his biggest fan! The greatest role I have as his Dad is to teach him how to follow Jesus and what it means to live a life that honors God.
This reminds me of how God, our Heavenly Father, delights in the relationship we have with Him that has been made available by His Son, Jesus! He offers to be our everything and has sent the Holy Spirit to teach us, guide us, and comfort us!
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
John 1:12-13
The Bible tells us that anyone who receives Jesus has been given the right to become children of God. We are born into God’s family and we become a new creation. If we are His children, He must find as much joy in us as I have in Josh, right? And probably even more, which is pretty tough to believe because of how much I enjoy Josh!
“For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.”
Psalm 149:4
Mer and I can’t talk about him enough! We brag about our boy to everyone who will listen! He really does make us so happy! We are proud of him and continue to come along side him to help him grow. We know he is still a child and will make mistakes as he begins to walk through situations that will tempt him to stray from what we have taught him; but we will continue to love him and delight in every moment spent with him, because he is ours.
In the same way, we are God’s children and He is head over heels in love with us! He takes great delight in us as we accept the free gift of salvation and turn from our selfish, sinful nature to live a life dedicated to Him!
“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17
What a beautiful picture of the Father’s love for us! I remember when Josh was a baby and was fussing – I would hold him in my arms, put worship music on my phone next to him, and sing to him to calm him down. It was a joy in my heart to be able to bring him peace when he was upset.
I often think about how much joy it must bring our Heavenly Father, to provide peace when we are troubled. He rejoices over us with singing! Oh how I would love to hear His voice, but I am thankful for providing what I need in every moment and how He has TRANSFORMED my life as I look to Him to fill the voids in my life.
Today, know that God loves you more than you will ever be able to comprehend. He is looking at you with a big smile on His face, as a proud parent looks upon their children. He is with you as you take every step and wants to be your everything!
Heavenly Father, thank You for the way You have accepted me into Your family, how You have given me the right to become Your child – an heir to all spiritual inheritance! Help us to know how much You love us and how we are approved not by what we do, but by what You have done! Thank You for making a way to experience a personal relationship with You! In Jesus Name – AMEN!
Be Transformed 