There are many things people delight in: sports, work, education, family—the list could go on. At first glance, it might seem like our delights are random, but the truth is, we tend to delight in whatever we pour our time, energy, and focus into.
In Isaiah 58:13-14, God shows us how to pour ourselves into Him so we can learn to truly delight in Him.
Choosing God Over Ourselves
The passage begins with a challenge. God tells His people to turn away from doing their own pleasure on His holy day—the Sabbath—and instead, honor Him. This isn’t just about what they do outwardly, but also about their inward focus. It’s not about indulging their own desires or speaking their own words but shifting their attention to God’s desires and His Word.
This principle goes beyond the Sabbath. Every day, we are tempted to chase after things that bring us temporary pleasure. But if we want to truly delight in the Lord, we must set aside our own wants and choose what God wants. It’s a matter of surrender—giving up our way and embracing His.
Pouring Yourself into God
Psalm 37:4 gives a similar instruction: “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” When we make God our focus and delight, something incredible happens—our desires begin to align with His will.
Think about it: the more we pour ourselves into God through prayer, reading His Word, and obeying Him, the more we begin to find joy in Him. It’s not that our desires disappear; they are transformed. Our satisfaction comes not from what we can gain, but from who He is.
Where Is Your Delight?
Take a moment to think about where your delight is today. Is it in things that fade, like entertainment, work, or possessions? Or is it in the eternal, unchanging God?
The key to delighting in the Lord is simple: pour yourself into Him. Spend time with Him in prayer, seek Him in His Word, and choose His ways over your own. As you do, you’ll find that delighting in the Lord isn’t a duty—it’s a joy that transforms your life.
