I Delight to Do Thy Will

 Delight thyself in the Lord

Jesus changed everything.  He is a fresh revelation of God's heart desires.  Hebrews 10 5-9 reports that He takes away the first that He may establish the second.  When He came into the world, He said: "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me."  So instead of burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin, in which God had no pleasure, God is seeking those who choose to do His will.  Not only do His will, but set their heart to delight in doing it.  Jesus established this "second" way, which is the heart response that Psalm 40:8 reveals, "I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart."

The central issue is the cross.  Just as Jesus prayed "Not my will, but Your will be done,"  The cross represents where God's will and our fleshy desires cross.  Life and death are set before us, so we get to decide whether to take the path that leads to life.  Choosing God's way is life, going the way of our flesh is death.   Jesus said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.  

It seems like it is a contradiction.  Those who lose their life will find life.  "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18  Yet to a believer, there is life and peace to set our minds on the spirit.  So in the words of Paul, we make it our aim to please God.  

In His final instructions before His death, Jesus reminds us that if we love Him we should keep His commandments.  Then He further points out, "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 1:11)  Obedience always results in life, joy, and blessing.  What God calls He also blesses.  Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments. 

There is no substitute and no better choice than to get up in the morning setting your heart and mind to delight in doing what pleases God.  It is a simple step, today I choose to delight in whatever I believe God wants me to do today.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to give thanks in all circumstances, so start the day giving thanks and setting your mind on things above, knowing that God works all things for good to those who love Him and to those who are called according to His purpose.

We serve an awesome, wonderful God.  Choose to delight in His ways and enjoy His mercy and goodness all the days of your life.