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.—DHR  — David H. Roper