God is Smiling

"As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorous ones in whom is all my delight."
Psalm 16:3

Let me give you a word of encouragement today. There is so much for us to do, so much that captures our attention. We are all busy with our lives and the work of the kingdom of God. But I would like to offer you a few simple thoughts to comfort and bless.
    We don't often think of ourselves as saints. But this is exactly what God calls us. The scriptural meaning of the word is; holy or sanctified. All of us are sanctified or set apart for God's purpose. And all of us are moving daily in holiness. Therefore, we are all saints. I don't say this to puff us up, but we do need to rise above the weak old philosophy that says we are all just sinners, saved by grace. This is true, but God now sees us as saints who are full of his Spirit and the power that he has given us.
    We are glorious ones in the sight of God. To me, this is what being sanctified or set apart is all about. God recognizes us as different. We have willfully followed him. Other people look at us and see a difference, too. Saints are different than sinners and people are perceptive enough to recognize it. We don't act the same way, we don't talk the same way, and we don't live the same way as those who are ruled by sin. God sees it, and people see it as well.
    God delights in us. When you picture God in your mind, you ought to picture him with a smile on his face as he looks at you. I am a grandparent. Many times, I look at my preschool grandchildren and take delight in them. They are playful, carefree, and simple in their approach to life. They don't worry and they know they are loved and protected by their parents and grandparents. This is like our relationship with God. It is with that kind of pleasure that he looks at us. We are his children and he delights in us.
    Be encouraged today. God takes delight in you. Don't let your thoughts condemn you and don't believe the lies of the enemy. God is smiling. You are pleasing him. Lay back and rest in that. Let a smile come across your face and agree with what God thinks. You are a glorious saint!