What Does God Like?
Whenever you are in a relationship with someone, you work quickly to learn their “likes” and “dislikes.” When we were dating, Peter quickly learned that I dislike fish. And sports. He wanted to please me, so he rarely asked me to sporting events, unless I was going to cheer him on while he played. Instead, he took me out for ice cream, antiquing and to craft shops because that’s what I loved. His love for me outweighed his desire for doing what he enjoyed. He really just wanted to make me happy. I did the same for him, even if it meant sitting through hours of softball. And the Three Stooges.
My kids also let me know what makes them happy. Things I typically hear at the park:
“Mom, can you push me higher?”
“Can you give me an underdog?”
“Can you spin me faster on the tire swing?”
The older girls also have a list of things they love: Trips into Boston, Starbucks, going out to lunch, hot mugs of tea and a good period drama. My son loves PS3, airsofting, tacos and pizza.
I couldn’t help think this morning in my devotions that God also tells us what He likes in His word. And when we really love Him, our desires seem small compared to the desire to make Him happy.
Some of the things God tells us He likes:
{I want you to know me!} For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, And in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6
{I want people of truth and integrity. No hypocrites} Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Ps 51: 6
{Don’t kill yourself doing THINGS for me. I want your humble heart.} The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Ps 51:17
{I prefer to abide with the humble and make my home with them} For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, and with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite one. Isaiah 57:15
It’s nice to know what will make my kids and husband happy. And the more I read God’s Word, the more I realize that what really makes God happy is my desire to know Him more.
I really liked this Sarah and especially needed the third point…don’t kill yourself doing things for Me. That is so me and what I needed to hear. And I love that photo of your daughter and your cat…such a calming photo 🙂 Oh, one more ‘and’…your thank you note was beautiful and exactly what I needed to get in the mail today 🙂 Now I’m done!
Me, too. I am a “doer” and love to be busy. Our cat is a spoiled brat. Totally pampered by Hope, as you can see in this picture. haha. AND thank you for the lovely surprise. You have NOOO idea how troubling our night had been, and I awoke to that lovely note and package. God is faithful and He used you to bless me. Thank you!
Isn’t it amazing that the God of the universe actually wants us to spend time (and eternity) with him? Astounding, even!
It IS amazing. I don’t get it, but I’m not going to fight it. 🙂