Key scripture- “ … He saved me to His delight; He took joy in me.” (Psalm 18:19b).

We all know how much Jesus loves us — the cross is proof of that — but some days when you look in the mirror, do you find it hard to believe Jesus likes you because you just feel unlikeable?

Those are the days you do not feel grateful or gleeful, flexible or fun. You don’t bring delight to your family, your coworkers or even your dearest friends. And to be totally honest, you don’t even like yourself, because you feel messed up and maxed out, exasperated and exhausted.

Yet like a forgiving friend, the Bible reminds us that when we feel like that, the One who took our place on Calvary’s cross doesn’t merely tolerate us through gritted teeth or embrace us because of holy compulsion, instead as preposterous as it sounds, the One who first loved us, actually likes us, too. And here’s proof:

1. Today’s key verse tells us God takes joy in us. “He saved me to His delight; He took joy in me.” (Psalm 18:19b).

2. Psalm 149:4 declares He takes pleasure in us, “For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.”

3. Zephaniah 3:17 affirms He rejoices over us, “The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.”

4. Psalm 147:11 proclaims that He delights in us, The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

If we would all remember this simple truth, that Jesus takes joy in us, it will change the way we pursue our Savior, because when you acknowledge that Jesus enjoys you, you look for ways to enjoy Him, too. You seek His company as you go throughout your day, whether it’s talking to Him as you drive across town or laughing with Him over something funny that happened.

You notice His kindness in the depths of your daily grind — the beautiful sunset, or the unexpected phone call from a friend on a hard day. You relish His presence in the midst of your pandemonium. You savor the unexplainable peace in your hurry, and the echo of an encouraging Scripture verse that runs through your mind.

In short, when you remember how the One who died for you also delights in you, you are drawn to delight in Him, too.

I want you to celebrate with me today the fact that Jesus really really really likes and enjoys you! And no matter what kind of day you are having, I want you to sing this children’s Sunday School song with me, because you now know how much your Savior loves you and likes you:

Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong; they are weak but He is strong; Yes Jesus loves me! Yes Jesus loves me! Yes Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so. Jesus loves me He who died, Heaven’s gate to open wide; He will wash away my sin, let His little child come in. Yes Jesus loves me! Yes Jesus loves me! Yes Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so. Jesus loves me He will stay, close beside me all the way. He’s prepared a home for me, then someday His face I’ll see. Yes Jesus loves me! Yes Jesus loves me! Yes Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me enough to save me and liking me enough to savor me. Teach me how to delight in You, as You delight in me. Teach me how to taste and see how good you are. Forgive me for thinking that You stand there looking at me with a scowl on your face, arms crossed and tapping you foot whenever I mess up. That is not how You are at all, instead You pick me up and dust me off when I stumble and fall, You are singing over me with joy, You rejoice over me, You strengthen me, Your eyes are toward me and Your ears are open to my cry, You never leave me or forsake me, You answer me, You deliver me from all my troubles, You are near me, You keep all my bones and not one of them is broken, You are my refuge and my strength, You cover me with Your loving kindness, and You are always faithful. In the Name of Jesus, my Savior and Friend, who I know always loves me and likes me, I pray Amen.