“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.” Proverbs 15:8-9
There are many things in this world that bring us delight: holding a newborn baby in our arms; spending time with family and friends; seeing the sunrise every morning, bringing us a new day; walking through a beautiful garden, enjoying the fragrance of the flowers.
Solomon tells us that God delights in the prayers of His people and that He loves those who follow righteousness. When we pray, He is not listening for fancy words and phrases, he is listening for a sincere cry from our hearts. We can share our worries, our feelings, our needs, and our dreams. He knows our needs already, but He wants us to express them to Him. He knows the times that we fail and is just waiting for us to confess and ask Him for forgiveness.
Luke told the story of the shepherd who had lost a lamb, and when he found it, he rejoiced over it. He likened this to how God feels when a sinner comes to the Lord, repenting of his sin.
Luke 15:7 “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”
Too many people think of God as being someone high on a throne, looking down on this world, just waiting for someone to step out of line so He can punish them. But He is full of mercy and love. He loves us so much that He convicts us of our sins, and when we call His Name in prayer, He forgives. He sees us through the blood He shed on Calvary.
I John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being such a loving Heavenly Father. We are human, and we sometimes fail you, but we are thankful that when we call on you in prayer, you hear and answer our cries. We want You to delight in us.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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