God's Pleasure

So here I am, two or maybe three days away from submitting drawings to the city so that the building of an addition onto my house can commence. I believe I’ve heard from God. I can say absolutely that if I didn’t believe God had spoken to me about this, I wouldn’t do it. It’s going to be expensive, it’s going to be noisy and messy, and it’s going to be just "one more thing" on a long list of things causing chaos in my life this summer. But I believe I heard from God, so I’m doing it, anyway.

Suppose, however, just suppose, I am wrong. Suppose God never said that He wanted to pay for me to build an addition so that when Mr. Right pops the big question, we’ll have a tidy nest already built and feathered. Suppose wishful thinking is making it up. Just suppose.

I do have to consider that possibility. There are no guarantees that I’m going to get it right every time. Taking that into account, what is my best course of action? Do I sit back and wait to see what the Lord does? Do I move forward until I face opposition, and then recognize opposition as God slamming the door in my face? What is the best thing to do?

Have you ever considered "pleasure" as something that God feels? If not, I think you’d better start, because it has everything to do with the answer to the previous question. The Bible says that there are certain things that do and do not cause God to feel pleasure. It only stands to reason that God’s pleasure triggers a reaction. He takes action when He feels pleasure.

Stop for a moment, and think about that.z

What is it, then, that causes God to feel pleasure? Is it hearing His voice perfectly? Is it getting doctrine right? Is it perfect behavior, holiness, cleanliness, or frugality? No, what pleases God is faith. Conversely, His soul takes no pleasure in those who draw back—presumably in fear. If faith causes Him to feel pleasure, then we must assume to He is drawn to those who live by faith. He comes to their aid and gives them access to His promises.

If we return to the original scenario and original question, I believe we have an answer. If I believe I have heard from God—if I am completely convinced—I must live by faith. I must walk in faith. If I shrink back in fear (of being wrong?) God’s soul takes no pleasure in me. If I live in faith, He is pleased with me. Are you getting the picture?

You know something? I would rather be wrong, and walk the wrong path in faith, thereby pleasing God, then to be right, and walk the right path because of fear, with God taking no pleasure in me. I’d prefer that every time.

Cause if God ain’t feelin’ no pleasure, ain’t nobody feelin’ pleasure.

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