Psalm 147

This text from today’s psalm caught my eye: “His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” (vs 10-11)

For hundreds and even thousands of years, man has been trying to figure out “the gods.” Isn’t this the aim of most every religion? To figure out who is god, what he (or she or it) requires, and then do your best to obtain the favor of the god(s) by your actions?

Most of the “gods” humans have designed through the years are interested in war, strength, and power. Even the God of the Old Testament appears this way in many stories because the people He chose were so intent on fighting and the surrounding nations were also predisposed to “respecting” power and strength on the battlefield. The question of “whose god is greatest?” was often answered at war.

And that’s why I love the text from today’s psalm. Our God does not find pleasure in strength. He does not get excited at the thought of an invincible army or a front line of huge, strapping soldiers. He does not delight in going to war.

Our God delights in a humble heart, in a weak hand that gets outstretched toward heaven. For Him, it is a pleasurable experience when one of His creatures hopes and trusts in His love. He values strength of character, not physical strength.

God delights in the simple things. So maybe it’s time to put down the weapons and lift up your hands. Why not use today as an opportunity to put your hope in the unfailing love of God?

He’s got your back.