Isaiah 11:3-5

He will take delight in obeying the Lord. He will not judge by mere appearances, or make decisions on the basis of hearsay. He will treat the poor fairly, and make right decisions for the downtrodden of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and order the wicked to be executed. Justice will be like a belt around his waist, integrity will be like a belt around his hips.

Righteousness and faithfulness are characteristics that we cannot achieve without help from the Lord Jesus – because it is He who is the epitome of both. Daily in my own life, I am challenged by the idea of “delighting in the Lord”. It is clear that Jesus delighted in His Father. Proving to be terribly unfaithful, I often find myself wavering to engage with Him because of the currents of this world. This does not mean that I have somehow permanently failed God, but it does mean that there are things in this world (idols), that compete for my love. Lord God, I long for my heart to burst with delight that I am Yours, a chosen son of the Most High – escorted into a loving relationship with You through the relentless grace made possible by Christ. Break the strongholds of my life with the overwhelming power of your love.