The salt lick

Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant. – Psalm 35:27

One spring I put a salt block in the bushes a few yards behind my mountain home. I was hoping to draw in a small herd of deer that grazed at a distance. Each morning I slowly opened the window shades, hoping to see deer gathered around the lick; each morning I was disappointed. I didn’t think the herd would ever find the salt.

Then one morning as I drew the shades, to my utter delight I spied a magnificent, young buck. He was licking the block, oblivious to my presence. I stood there for a long time watching him and savoring my joy.

My wife Carolyn reminded me later in the day that God takes a similar joy in me. The psalmist said that the Lord "has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant" (Psalm 35:27). He delights in bringing good to me and in seeing me enjoy His blessings.

English preacher John Owen (1616-1683) said, "The souls of the saints are the garden of Jesus Christ, . . . a garden for delight: He rejoices in them."

We may encounter people who want to hurt us and gloat over our distress, but not our Lord (vv.25-27). He longs to be good to us, to satisfy our deepest longings with His love. We are His heart’s delight. – David H. Roper

I can always count on God,

my heavenly Father,

For He changes not, He always is the same;

Yesterday, today, forever He is faithful,

And I know He loves me, praise His holy name. – Felten

READ: Psalm 35:22-28

God takes delight in us – how can we help but delight in Him!

The Bible in one year:

• 1 Kings 21-22

• Luke 23:26-56