Lately I’ve been reading about Smith Wigglesworth, the British minister who saw so many miracles in his work (salvation, healing, deliverance, and even resurrection from the dead). His ministry was mighty because he delighted in doing what God asked him to do. Are we the same? When God asks us to do something, is it a chore, a duty, or a delight?
Plodding along
A chore is defined as a routine task. In this category we might put anything God asks us to do on a regular basis; like prayer, Bible study, or fasting.
A duty is defined as a moral or legal obligation. In this category we might put things like helping the poor, looking after widows, or paying our taxes on time.
Both duties and chores can carry with them a sense of drudgery. We often plod along with a cranky attitude doing things for God because we’re supposed to or required to. This is not God’s way my friends!
It’s said of Jesus in Psalm 40 that He took great delight in doing God’s will.
Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
Psalm 40:7-8
it is written about me in the scroll:
I delight to do Your will, O my God;
Your law is within my heart.”
A hidden key
How do we surrender to the degree that we happily and contentedly do EVERYTHING God asks of us? There’s a key to surrender that I think we often miss. It’s found in Matthew 3:17. After Jesus was baptized by John, the Holy Spirit descended on Him like a dove, and a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
When was the last time you felt (experienced) God’s pleasure with your obedience? If it’s not something you’re acquainted with, ask Him to make it real to you. Like any good Father, He’s ever ready to share His smile of delight and gratitude when you surrender your will to His.
You know the great feeling you get when a parent, boss, partner, or friend says they’re really pleased with something you did? It can give you an inner glow that lasts all day. To know the pleasure of the One who created you is something a thousand times better! The more you open your heart to receive His pleasure, the more you’ll want to please Him. Then, miraculously, doing His will is no longer a chore or a duty, it’s a delight!
Experience God’s smile
If you haven’t experienced God’s pleasure or felt His smile, pray this pray with me. Then expect by faith that He WILL say to your heart, “This is my beloved daughter/son [insert your name], in whom I am well pleased!”
Father, I know You are a good Father. You do not withhold praise from Your children when they please Your heart. I want to know and experience Your pleasure. Help me to open my heart to hear Your voice of praise and to feel Your smile. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Drop me a note if you prayed this prayer. I’d love to agree with you that you WILL feel and know the Father’s pleasure.
If you struggle with spiritual self-esteem, you may also find this post helpful. You are not a disappointment to God!
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