Greetings Christ Church Missoula!
Grace to you and Peace!
“He does not delight the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man; The LORD takes pleasure in those that fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.” Psalm 147:10-11
As Christians, we all want to know that God is happy with us. We certainly don’t want Him to be disappointed in us. Psalm 147:10-11 tells us exactly what the Lord takes pleasure in and what He doesn’t.
First of all, He does not take pleasure in the power and strength of man. Of course, God does not hate horses, nor is He particularly offended at men’s legs (although most of us men will do well to keep our bony, white, scarred, hairy legs sufficiently covered😊) This verse refers to warfare: the raging power of the war horse in battle and the strong swift attacks of soldiers. We might be impressed and even frightened by these things, but the Lord takes no pleasure in man’s power or pride.
He takes pleasure in those who fear Him, those who seek to do His will by submitting to and obeying His commands. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15. God knows we do not do this perfectly and has made provision for those who fear Him in the blood of Jesus Christ. 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.” Praise God!
Also, God takes pleasure in those who hope in His mercy. Hope in the New Covenant does not carry with it the same connotation as it does in our common use of the word today. When we say that we hope for something, it is expressing a very unsure outcome. “I hope they win the game” or “I hope he gets better.” Hope, the way we use it is often more an expression of worry rather than actual hope.
Hope in the New Covenant is a sure, infallible hope and trust in God. It is more an expression of patiently waiting for an absolutely sure outcome. It is waiting for the promises of God that He assures us of in His word. Hebrews 6:19 calls this hope an “anchor of the soul.” Earlier in Hebrews 6:11 we are encouraged to pursue the “full assurance of hope” by pressing on toward spiritual maturity and skill in the word of righteousness. Romans 5:2-5 says,”…we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Even our trials are made to result in full assurance of hope.
So, God takes pleasure in those who are seeking to obey His Word, and who have a confident hope in His mercy.
His mercy endures forever!
Pastor Flynn