The Father’s Joy

by Joyce Sykes
Published September 14, 2006

Have you ever thought about how it thrills our heavenly Father when we simply come seeking His face? I don’t mean when we come asking for this, or seeking a blessing. But, when we come to tell Him how much we love Him, how blessed we are by His mercy and grace or how thankful we are for His love. His heart overflows when we run to meet His presence with one desire, to spend time with Him. As much as we feel love for those around us, it can’t compare to what the Father feels for us.

He gave us His best through His son Jesus. Willingly, Jesus left His place in heaven, came to this earth in human form, and laid down His life for us. The death He suffered on the cross, was not simple nor easy. The treatment He received before being nailed to the cross and afterwards led to a slow agonizing death. Yet, Jesus gladly accepted the pain inflicted on Him to make a way to salvation for us. That is love, true love.

Jesus achieved so much for us through this selfless act. He made the way for our salvation through His perfect sinless sacrifice. The veil was rent in two at the moment of His death. The Holy Place, previously only accessible once a year by the high priest, was now open. As we cry out in repentance over our sins, we have access to the mercy seat by the blood of the Messiah.

His act of love should bring us to our knees with a grateful heart. The power of His blood ought to render us speechless. The grace and mercy flowing from heaven is more powerful than the swiftest river on the face of this earth. His compassion is beyond anything we could ever imagine. Forgiveness flows over us washing even the blackest of sins white. Everything we need is available at the throne of the Father.

Yet, sometimes we act like spoiled brats who take and take without as much as a thank you? We lose sight of the gift of love and mercy, seeing only our woes, cares and wants. We become bogged down with daily life that we forget to take time to say, “I love You, Lord.” We take His many blessings for granted.

I have four beautiful little granddaughters. When I drive up in the yard and they see me coming, little legs begin running swiftly out the door, with arms lifted up and voices yelling “Grandma.” My heart overflows with love. It might have been only one day since our last visit but it doesn’t matter. It’s hard to even describe the joy that fills my heart when squeals of love fill the air. The love I feel for my children and grandchildren is hard to describe, but it’s always there.

It is the same with our Lord. He loves to hear His children call His name. Imagine how it thrills His heart to hear us excitedly declare, “I love You, Lord!” He longs to hear His children patiently sit waiting to hear Him speak in His soft and quiet voice. In the same manner, He listens to our declarations of love and admiration.

Today let your heart and voice be lifted up in love toward the Lord. Let His ears be filled with declarations of love and gratitude. Come before Him with one purpose, to seek His face. Bow before this awesome God we serve with one desire; to honor Him. Let the cry of your heart have one goal; to bless the Lord. He is worthy of all praise and honor and glory. Imagine His joy as He hears you say “I love You, Lord.”

Psalms 68: 3 & 4 But let the righteous be glad; Let them rejoice before God; Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly. Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, By His name Yah, And rejoice before Him.

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