Morning & Evening Daily Devotional Reading– September 21

by Charles H. Spurgeon, Revised and Edited by William C. Neff

“I will rejoice over [my people] to do them good.”

—Jeremiah 32:41

How encouraging to the believer is God’s delight in His saints! We have no reason in ourselves why the Lord should take pleasure in us. Indeed, we too often can take no delight in ourselves for we have to groan, being burdened, conscious of our sinfulness, and deploring our unfaithfulness. Other Christians seldom delight in us either. Too often they see our many imperfections. They would rather lament our infirmities than admire our graces.

But we love to dwell upon this transcendent truth, this glorious mystery: that as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride so does the Lord rejoice over His people. We don’t read anywhere that God delights in the cloud-capped mountains or the sparkling stars, but we do read that He delights in the sons of men. We don’t find it written that even angels give His soul delight, but He does say that to poor fallen creatures like ourselves, debased and depraved by sin, yet saved, exalted, and glorified by His grace.

And how strongly He expresses His delight in His people! Who could have conceived of the eternal God bursting forth into a song? Yet it is written, “He will rejoice over you with joy, He will rest in His love, He will joy over you with singing.” When He looked upon the world He had made, He said, “It is very good.” But when He looks at those who are purchased by Jesus’ blood, it’s as if His heart could restrain itself no longer, but overflows in divine shouts of joy!

Shouldn’t we offer our grateful response to such a great declaration of His love? Let’s echo His song and sing, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will take joy in the God of my salvation?” [M&E]