Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. (Matt. 11:26)
THE STRUGGLE TO AUTHENTICALLY experience God’s heart seems beyond our abilities. Many of us expect God to be perpetually angry, given the many ways we fail Him each day. In response, we try harder, only to fail more. Personally, I grew to concentrate on being His “warrior.” I fought well but ultimately for all the wrong reasons. I remember sharing with a friend during that time that while I knew how to fight, I had no idea how to rest in God’s arms of loving embrace. My confession led to a desperate search to seek answers not only about my brokenness, but more about His character. Slowly, my eyes became increasingly opened to the reality of His joy about my life. I discovered that His grace went beyond sufficiency; it surpassed even my broken understanding. While the journey continues, I now can see a smile on His face where before I imagined only a frown.
The relationship Jesus portrays between Him and the Father serves as a deep well of clarity. Their intimate exchanges paint pictures of joyful love, unifying vision, and mutual admiration.
Because Jesus walked in our shoes, He now offers what we need to demonstrate His heart. Remember, He is more prone to sing and dance than He is to become angry.
Ask God to help you feel His heart of pleasure over your life.
Mark Francis enjoys exploring God’s heart, time with family, cooking, and writing. He and his wife, Laura, and their four children live in Sandy, Utah.
