In my lifelong search to understand God’s love, I’ve discovered that it’s more than His protection and provision; it’s more than His forgiveness and great sacrifice. One of the sweetest ways He expresses His love is through His delight in us.

We recently had guests for lunch, and their youngest son was completely fascinated by our black cat’s favorite sleeping place. Ebony loves to burrow under quilts, blankets, pillows—actually, under just about anything that will cover her.

We would gently lift the edge of the throw he was hiding beneath, and all little Isaiah could see were two bright green eyes peering back at him. Every time, he burst into that wonderful, delighted laugh that only a two-year-old can give.

As I listened, I could almost hear God smiling.

In that moment, I realized He was giving me another glimpse of Himself through a child’s joyful laughter.

Psalm 149:4 says,

“For the LORD takes delight in His people.”

What a beautiful thought! The God who created the universe delights in us.

That verse reminds me of another striking promise found in Zephaniah 3:17:

“The LORD your God is with you… He will take great delight in you… He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Perhaps this is one of the dimensions of God’s love we often overlook. His love doesn’t merely provide, protect, forgive, and redeem. It delights.

Psalm 147:11 adds another beautiful thought: “The LORD delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.” 

There’s a beautiful connection between God’s love and His delight in us. God doesn’t simply love us because He is love. He also enjoys us. His love is joyful. He delights in His children. Perhaps that’s why a child’s delighted laugh caught my attention. For just a moment, it gave me a tiny glimpse of the delight God takes in us, His children.

He shows us His love in countless ways—a child’s laughter, hummingbirds dancing around the feeders, the colors and patterns of creation, people who reflect His character, and quiet moments that remind us He is near.

Today, watch for the LORD’s delighted love.

 It’s everywhere.

This is a rewrite of a post written on August 21, 2011.