I have no merit
to woo or delight Thee,
I have no wisdom
or pow’rs to employ;
Yet in thy mercy,
how pleasing thou find’st me,
This is Thy pleasure:
that Thou art my joy.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness (1923)
By: Thomas Chisholm (1866–1960)
Listen to this version in a gospel style as you prepare to ponder this hymn. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.
Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.
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Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below! It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.
We continue our journey through this popular hymn which declares the faithfulness of our God, true in every season, experienced by hearts of faith. Let’s think about this.
God Took Initiative
The first half of this stanza appears to be a real downer, until the second half redeems it and with it any hope we have at experiencing the faithfulness of God. It starts by outlining our utter depravity before restoring the possibility of something else. The first part of the thought from Jeremiah 9:23-24 could be viewed in a similar negative light if it were not for the latter half for it tells us what not to do, before instructing us what to do instead.
Yet in thy mercy,
how pleasing thou find’st me,
…but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:24 ESV
He practices that steadfast love, justice and righteousness on us, and even delights to do so. This must be our boast. Not anything that we are or have done, but in the unmerited favor and delight of our Lord.
Consider the image above. It makes me think of someone who has opened themselves to the bright glory of the knowledge of God and His steadfast love, justices and righteousness. Can you see yourself taking such a posture? Are you open to God’s mercy, allowing it to flow in Your life?
There is nothing in us that merits that mercy, but even still, the Lord makes a way for me to be found pleasing to Him. None of that lies with me. It is His mercy, not getting what we deserve. It is all His work, so none can boast, other than boasting in Him.
Spirit, help me boast in God today, and forever. Make that boast right now, then all day and forever. Make your boast in Him today, then repeat that every day, for eternity.
RESONATE!
When was the last time you boasted in God? Told someone else of the mercy you have received? It does not have to be a long, drown-out story, but can be as simply as just expressing something He recently did for you. Keep it simple, but commit right now to look for an opportunity to boast in Him today. Then ask the Spirit to help you do it today, and repeat that every day, until it becomes a way of life. Hardly anything will please Him more than for you to make much of Him.
I Humbly Responded
But as if His unmerited mercy in our lives was not enough, these last two lines take things to an entirely different level. What is God’s pleasure? What brings Him the greatest delight? Our finding our joy in Him!
This is Thy pleasure:
that Thou art my joy.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 ESV
What is God’s pleasure? That I find my joy in Him. How amazing is that? Our greatest joy, fullness of joy, is found only in His presence, at His right hand forever, and His pleasure is our discovering and living in that. Hallelujah!
Is your life the equivalent of a hallelujah to God? Is it obvious to others you find your greatest delight in God? Do you seek out ways to bring Him praise?
To find eternal joy in God is the greatest blessing this life affords. What is more, it is difficult for us to fathom that there is nothing that gives God greater pleasure than for us to find that joy. Marvel at that incredible mystery again today and rest in it, in Him.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments to think about that incredible truth. God takes great delight in you finding delight in Him. It creates a positive feedback loop that can change your perspective and ultimately your entire life. Even if it has to start small, get your hallelujah started today.
Father, thank You for finding delight in my delight in You. Help me to boast in you today and everyday, until it becomes a way of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Boastful Thinking!
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Podcast 23.4 Transcript
Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.
I have no merit
to woo or delight Thee,
Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:8 ESV
Though we do not like to admit our utter depravity, we must remember that to do so makes even more of the faithfulness of God. There was nothing in us that deserved the grace He has poured out on us, and until He did we could not please Him, not in the least. Confess that.
I have no wisdom
or pow’rs to employ;
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, Jeremiah 9:23 ESV
We do have some abilities, yet though they are God-given, they are still not enough to bridge the gap left by our sinfulness and selfishness. Thank God for those gifts, but also for the fact that He went even further to make a way for us to find favor in His eyes.
Yet in thy mercy,
how pleasing thou find’st me,
…but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:24 ESV
He practices that steadfast love, justice and righteousness on us, and even delights to do so. This must be our boast. Not anything that we are or have done, but in the unmerited favor and delight of our Lord. Make that boast right now, then all day and forever.
This is Thy pleasure:
that Thou art my joy.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 ESV
What is God’s pleasure? That I find my joy in Him. How amazing is that? Our greatest joy, fullness of joy, is found only in His presence, at His right hand forever, and His pleasure is our discovering and living in that. Hallelujah! Give God praise for this incredible truth.
Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the refrain.
I have no merit
to woo or delight Thee,
I have no wisdom
or pow’rs to employ;
Yet in thy mercy,
how pleasing thou find’st me,
This is Thy pleasure:
that Thou art my joy.
Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond. Until next time, Be Resonant.
The post Did You Know God Wants You to Be Boastful? appeared first on Resonant 7.
Image Attributions
Yet in thy mercy, how pleasing thou find’st me –https://pixabay.com/photos/rays-wonder-sun-light-wonderful-2464986/
This is Thy pleasure: that Thou art my joy – https://pixabay.com/photos/woman-girl-freedom-happy-sun-591576/
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