“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)

All my growing-up years, I knew my parents loved me, but I didn’t think they liked me very much. It seemed I was always in the way — a burden to care for and a financial responsibility to provide for.

Unfortunately, as I started to learn about God, I thought the same way about my heavenly Father. I knew He loved me, but I didn’t think He liked me very much. Once again, I felt like a disappointment who was tolerated, not a child who was cherished.

Oh, how wrong I was.

When I was 12, I became best friends with a girl in my neighborhood, Wanda. Wanda’s mom introduced me to Jesus in a new way and told me about a heavenly Father who truly adored me! When I was 14, I accepted Jesus as my Savior and began a journey to believing God delights in me.

Psalm 18:19 says, “He rescued me because he delights in me” (NLT). And not only “me” but all His children: “For the LORD delights in his people …” (Psalm 149:4, NLT).

Zephaniah 3:17 tells us, “The LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

Can’t you just hear God saying, You are such a delight? Or perhaps, I take such delight in you!

From the moment my child, Steven, was born, I wanted him to know that God not only loves him but also likes him — that Jesus stands at the door of his soul and knocks because He wants to come in and share a meal (Revelation 3:20). I want my son to know God fashioned him in my womb as a unique masterpiece (Psalm 139:13-14).

During the many years I dropped Steven off at school, I often called out, “Bye! I love you, and I like you!”

It always brought a smile to his face … and sometimes an eye roll. But I wanted Steven to know without a doubt that I like the person he is. I enjoy being with him. I think he is funny and intelligent. If I were his age, I’d want to be his friend. And God has infinitely more love for my son than I ever will.

Which brings me to you. Do you know just how much God loves you? Do you know how much He likes you? As you go about your busy day, do you sense His pleasure?

You, friend, are His dear child. He wants you to always remember that He loves you — and He likes you.

Heavenly Father, I am amazed that You not only love me, but You also like me and delight in me! Help me always remember this truth, even when I don’t like myself. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Friend, if you’re a momma, we know you need a break. And we have just the thing! Sharon Jaynes’ new, 90-day devotional, Momma Moments with God, shares highly relatable stories — momma moments — from her own life and provides helpful Bible verses, prayers, reflection questions and journaling pages. Every day invites you to pause and focus on a parenting theme such as relying on God, receiving and offering grace, and having courage to move into a new season.

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Before you go, Sharon would love to invite you to visit her official website for more great devotions and free resources. You can also hang out with Sharon on Instagram and Facebook or connect in The Praying Wives Club.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 147:10-11, “His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love” (NIV).

How does knowing that God likes you change how you view your relationship with Him?

If you’re a parent, how can you ensure your child knows that God not only loves them but also likes the person they are — just as they are?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

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