God’s Delight

Read Proverbs 15

The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright.

Proverbs 15:8

The teaching in this verse occurs in various forms throughout Scripture (see 1 Samuel 15:22; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 12:7; Hebrews 10:8-9). The point is that God does not delight in people who go through the motions of faith without allowing it to make any difference in their hearts or minds. In Old Testament terms, it would be like bringing an animal to sacrifice only because the law required it, not in order to be cleansed from sin. In today’s language it would be like attending church, and even serving there, without allowing God to penetrate one’s heart and life. That is the “sacrifice of the wicked,” and the Lord hates it.

God delights, however, in the prayers of his followers. He longs to hear from his people who are open and listening—seeking to grow and change in order to please him. We delight God when we, his children, come to him in prayer because we love and need him.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Godly prayer delights God.

Today, Lord, may I delight you by my devotion, my life, and my prayers.