Just to clear up any confusion, most of the blogs that I write are in conjunction with an online Bible Study, which are assigned topics. However, writing these topics are good for me, I don't just ramble on about my life, but truly search my inner thoughts and God's word for inspiration on these assigned posts. For this post I was truly amazed that this topic "Delighting in Obedience" is so close to my heart at this time in my life and it also really fits my theme of Working In This World.
When I think of the word "delight" my mind automatically goes to the book of Psalms. While David certainly had many times in his life to not find delight, in every situation he returned to his delight in God. The particular verse which came to mind as I was writing was Psalm 37:3 -6 which says; "Trust in the Lord and do good. then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. he will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun." (NLT). When trying to follow a healthy eating plan or push myself to exercise, I realize that I really have to look for the delight in every situation. It is hard for me to find delight in a large portion of vegetables and when I look at the treadmill, delight is not the first word that pops into my mind. Eating right and taking care of this body that God has blessed me with have been a battle my entire life. However, my perspective has changed over the last few weeks. I realize that my battle is not with myself but with the forces of Satan and all of the excuses that he feeds into my mind. I have found that by delighting in obedience I can win the battle that has taken up such a large amount of time in my life.
In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Paul is talking to the church in Corinth, but he could certainly be talking to me. His God revealed words say, "For although we are living in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but powerful to God for the tearing down of fortresses, tearing down arguments and all pride that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." (NIV). While I am waging a war with Satan to overcome the excuses he is puts in my mind, I know that the battle of unhealthy eating and a tendency to be inactive is a battle that I will win. I have been on this path of treating my body as the temple of God and the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit for almost a month. I am finding everyday that I am finding delight in this journey because my perspective has taken a drastic change. My focus is on my relationship with God and drawing closer to Him. In this closeness I can delight in the paths where He leads me. Don't get me wrong, there are still many times that I am tempted to revert to my old habits but I will delight in the joys of every little victory that God helps me attain. God can tear down the fortresses and all the arguments that Satan gives me to throw up, for my God and Father is all powerful and I am increasing my knowledge of Him daily.
But while my study is a focus of health and fitness, it is also a study of craving God. The events of the past two weeks have certainly inspired me to take joy in the truth of Christ and my association with fellow Christians. Being around believers is something that we often take for granted along with the blessings found in obedience to Our Father. I find joy in my life in this world. Not everyone can find joy; those who live on the periphery of faith, who don't fully embrace the love of God. As believers we are so blessed that we can see the joy of obedience every day of our lives, we just have to stop and take the time to examine our blessings, delight in the joy of our salvation, and spend quality time listening for God's voice.
