Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. Proverbs 29:3, TLV

Do We Give God Joy?     Okay, I love this proverb. At least the first part.

I always knew that my dad loved me, but I’ve wondered over the years how much joy I brought him. Since I struggled with a wide range of issues from not so great grades in school to poor decisions that meant he had to rescue me a few too many times, I’m sure he questioned whether or not I’d survive adolescence and the first years of marriage.

Seattle Smiles

When did I begin giving him joy? The memory that stood out for me was when he and mom came out for a visit when we lived in Seattle. Dad could probably count on one hand the number of vacations he’d ever taken. This trip to see us was one of them.

What I remember is the whole time he visited, he smiled. And it wasn’t simply that he was on a holiday. I think he was in the moment of enjoying my husband and me as adults. He didn’t have the same worries he had had with me as a child. He enjoyed the conversations, activities, knowing we were relatively stable as a family. He could relax and enjoy the rewards of being a good father.

Daddy God

How similar this is to our Heavenly Father. In our early years as His followers, we made a lot of mistakes — before we became followers, even more. He had to rescue us more times than we probably ever realized. And through it all, He loves us.

But, today, as wiser, more mature children, does He enjoy us?

I want that, don’t you? I like picturing Him enjoying the moments when I make wise decisions. Giving me a “spiritual” fist bump when I finally understand a concept.

Unconditional Love

We all know we can’t earn His love — He gives that to us freely. But I can give Him joy. And I want to do that as often as I can. How about you?

Think More About It

Share a time when you felt your Father’s joy.

Until tomorrow, may we give Him joy, my friends.

ADONAI [the LORD] your God is in your midst—
a mighty Savior!
He will delight over you with joy.
He will quiet you with His love.
He will dance for joy over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17, TLV

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is this verse. I just noticed today that all of the LORD’s joy and delight center around Him being in our midst. Wouldn’t that mean we would sense that joy? Seems so. So, today’s pray is that our Father would be in Israel’s midst and as they seek Him, He will delight over them with joy. The perfect respite during these difficult times. God bless you!