God's Delight In Us

Many of us have never been told that God delights in us — our personality quirks, our creative use of our talents and aptitudes, our exploration and enjoyment of the world, and our expressions of compassion and kindness. Instead, the image of God that has been instilled in us is that of a demanding and critical judge, which makes us fearful of doing anything that would lead to failure. The irony is that God is not disappointed by our failures; rather, God is saddened when we let fear keep us from uniquely reflecting the creative, loving, joyful God in whose image we were made.

It is important for us to be confident that God delights in us, for as St. Albert the Great said, “The greater and more persistent your confidence in God, the more abundantly you will receive all that you ask.” When we trust that God will support our imaginings, efforts, and explorations, we can dream big and confidently ask for what we need.

Sometimes our fear is not about whether we will fail; instead, it is about the sacrifices we know we will have to make to be the person we are called to be. Persons who thrive as teachers, social workers, and aides in nursing homes, for example, know they will make much less money than they would in other professions. I have found a fulfilling life as a Benedictine sister, but that has required giving up a good measure of autonomy and solitude time and the adoption of a simpler lifestyle. For me, at least, the sacrifice necessary to gain more and more experience of God’s blessing, presence, and care is well worth it.

Ultimately, we need to dare to expand our imagination regarding God’s delight in us. As St. Paul says, “Eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, nor has it entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor 2: 9). Let us move confidently in the direction of our dream of sharing fullness of life with God and all that God has created!