Psalm 147:11 – “The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”
When you think about God, what comes to mind?
Do you imagine a Father who welcomes you with love, or do you feel a wave of shame, as though you’re not enough? Do you feel the need to prove yourself: by working harder, achieving more, or showing off what you’ve accomplished? Or do you sometimes just want to run away, convinced that you’ll never measure up?
Psalm 147 gently redirects our focus. It tells us something profound about what actually pleases God.
NOT STRENGTH, NOT STATUS
Before we look at verse 11, it helps to read the verse right before it:
“His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in the legs of the warrior.” (Psalm 147:10)
In other words, God’s delight isn’t found in human power or performance. It’s not about who’s the fastest, strongest, richest, or most talented. It’s not about achievements, resumes, or even religious routines. He isn’t impressed by our streak of perfection or by how put-together we appear on the outside.
This truth is freeing: the things we so often measure ourselves by—strength, beauty, success, popularity—are not the things God is looking at.
WHAT GOD DELIGHTS IN
So what does please Him? The psalmist gives us the answer:
“The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” (Psalm 147:11)
God delights in those who revere Him—not in terror, but in awe and holy respect. To “fear” Him is to recognize that He is God and we are not. It is to stand in wonder of His power, majesty, and authority, while also trusting His heart of love toward us.
And second, He delights in those who put their hope in His unfailing love. Not in our own ability to figure life out. Not in the shifting promises of the world. Not in fleeting strength or temporary victories. But in His love, a love that never wavers, never gives up, and never runs dry.
GOD DELIGHTS IN YOU
Think about that for a moment: the God of the universe takes delight in you. Not because you’re flawless, but because you choose to place your hope in Him. The God of the universe takes delight in you. Not because you’re flawless, but because you choose to place your hope in Him
This means you don’t have to strive to earn His affection. You don’t have to live under the pressure of being perfect. What pleases God is not your unbroken record of success, but your surrendered heart that trusts His love.
A SEASON OF REFLECTION
As you move through this season—whether it’s Advent or simply a personal season of reflection—pause to consider who God really is.
Think about His power that holds the world together, and His love that holds you together. Spend time worshiping Him not for what you think you must prove, but simply for who He is. Align your heart with His. Rest in the truth that the Lord delights in you—not because of your strength, but because of your hope in His unfailing love. And that is a hope that will never disappoint. Amen.
