Pleasure People

“The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.” (Ps 147:11 AV)

Have you ever had one of those children in you VBS who was totally disconnected from interaction from another human being older than he?  He was not really disconnected from human interaction.  With children his own age, he was normal.  But with adults, he or she refuses to interact.  The adult in the room may try to establish a relationship, but they are rebuffed or ignored.  After a good-hearted attempt, the adult in the room will spend time with those who desire his or her friendship and guidance.  Such is the LORD.

Such a child of whom we speak does not come from a shattered home.   They do not come from a traumatic past which might give them pause to interact with adults he or she cannot trust.  I have a son like this.  At least a little bit.  His teachers were frustrated with him because he did not interact with them.  He didn’t ask for help.  He didn’t express an exchange of ideas.  He was overly quiet.  His problem was independence and shyness.  Not rebellion.  After a few years, he got over it.  He found his niche and became a great help to the adults in his life.  The children I speak of deliberately avoid any contact with an adult that might require respect and dependence.  They are all on their own and they do not care to know you.  They see you as an object that is required to meet their needs.  This is as far as the relationship goes.  Totally and completely emotionally disconnected from anyone who does not provide something he or she needs.

Those children we take pleasure in are those who understand the proper child/adult relationship and are grateful for that which we provide.  They are welcoming and appreciative of the time and resources which we expend on their behalf.  God takes pleasure in those who show the proper respect due a God who created and controls all things.  He takes pleasure in those who seek His mercy.  Not for forgiveness alone.  But the mercies of life’s provision, protection, purpose, and pleasure.  He takes pleasure in those who treat Him right.  He takes pleasure in those who pray.  He takes pleasure in those who take the effort to get to know Him.  He loves unconditionally.  He loves enough to send His Son to die for us.  But taking pleasure in us is something apart and above unconditional love.  It is something of which we determine the amount of pleasure He derives.