Beauty Delights

 A number of years ago I had somehow been convinced that flower gardens were not worth my time, and that it was a higher calling to plant vegetable gardens instead of frivolous flower gardens. In short, I felt guilty for wanting the delight of flowers.

My grandmother had an extensive flower garden with brick paths between her beauties. She used her flowers to make amazing, dried flower arrangements that everyone appreciated.

Somewhere along the way, I had let the enemy steal my joy. The enemy and the world had convinced me it was selfish to plant things only for their beauty.

When I asked Him for clarification on why restoring my desire to indulge in flowers was important. This is what He had to say.

“You didn’t believe flowers or anything that is a delight simply by being was worth it. I strongly disagree.

I make so many things just for the delight of it and I want you to see the power in beauty.

Beauty causes awe, peace, joy, wonder, and curiosity. This is imperative. These things inspire strength, fortitude, resolve, inspiration, awe, and a desire for more. A desire for deeper things.”

"Most importantly I want you to see that you delight Me because you simply are. Your act of being delights Me. I love you without you doing a thing."

***

I’m five decades old and I still have trouble comprehending that God loves me simply because I am. I can not earn a greater degree of His love.

Do you have a hard time believing that you can be loved by the Maker of the universe simply for being alive and loving Him?

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—” (Ephesians 2:4-5, ESV).

We have been saved by His perfect grace and not by our works.

***

In this lesson, He also taught me.

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4, ESV)

Delighting in and appreciating the beauty that God gives us in nature is not a frivolous thing. He loves when we appreciate His work and delight in what He has given us.

Is there something in your life that you have shut off because you were worried that it was selfish to indulge in what would delight your heart?

What have you tried to shut off in your heart?

What good thing God desires to give you have you said was frivolous? Or you have allowed other things to take precedence.

(Or maybe you are not like me and find it easy to accept His gifts)

Remember, God created you with your exact specifications. If what delights you is a wholesome engagement with the gifts God has given you, by all means, engage. God loves to see His children delight in what He has given them.

Prayer for you and me: Lord, I am blown away that You love me simply because I exist. There is nothing I can do to make You love me more. Thank You that you renewed in me a delight for the beauty in Your creation. Help me accept and engage in Your gifts so that I might fulfill Your God-given purposes for my life. Your generosity blows me away, Lord. Thank You, amen.