Pleasing God

(Psa 147:11 KJV)  The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

(Proverbs 17 also read)

God “taketh pleasure” (favors NASB) (7521) those who “fear” (3372a) Him, those who admit their need.  When I read this in the NASB I thought about Noah but this is not the word used of Noah finding favor with God.  At the same time it does tell us that God is favorably disposed towards those who are obedient.  

When we talk about grace, we are referring to many aspects of how God works among us.  One of the key questions that some people don’t want to deal with is, “What is the basis for God’s choices in extending grace.”  Some believe it is God’s business, not ours.  To me that makes God capricious and doing things on a divine whim.  It is clear that He does not award salvation to those who earn enough brownie points.  It is also clear from verses like this that God responds to hearts and lives that are yearning for him, fearing Him.

So?  Jesus did not die on the cross to see how many He could condemn to Hell.  Believe that God is aware of the yearning of your heart.  Be aware of the yearning of God’s heart also.