REFLECTING THE LIGHT OF HIS PLEASURE
When the heart grows still before the Lord, it returns to that simple confession Paul made, that we make it our aim to be well pleasing to Him. This is not the ambition of pride. It is the quiet longing of a soul captured by grace. Scripture keeps calling us back to this single desire. Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word” (John 14:23). Paul echoed it when he prayed that believers would “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him” (Colossians 1:10). The writer of Hebrews reminds us that “without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6). The whole life of devotion gathers around this one center.
A rock has no wisdom and no strength, yet when the sun rests upon it, it shines. It reflects a light it did not create. So it is with us. We do not produce holiness from our own efforts. We do not generate the warmth of divine love. We simply place ourselves in the presence of Christ and let His radiance fall upon our lives. As the psalmist said, “Those who look to Him are radiant” (Psalm 34:5). When His love touches us, holiness becomes our desire. When His mercy surrounds us, obedience becomes our joy. When His Spirit fills us, the fruit grows naturally (Galatians 5:22–23).
Pleasing Him is not a burden. John tells us plainly that “His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). It is the natural glow of a heart turned upward, the peaceful reflection of souls who have learned to rest in the One who said, “Abide in Me” (John 15:4). As we turn toward Him, His likeness begins to appear in us with ever-increasing clarity. We find ourselves loving what He loves, seeking what He seeks, longing for what brings Him delight.
And as His light shines through our fragile, imperfect lives, He receives the glory. We discover our peace in the simple blessing of mirroring the One who saved us. For this is our aim, our calling, our joy: “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him” (2 Corinthians 5:9).
Lord Jesus, turn my heart toward Your light. I lay aside my striving and my self-made efforts, for I cannot create the shine that pleases You. Rest Your presence upon me. Let Your love shape my desires and Your mercy steady my steps. Teach me to walk in a way that reflects Your goodness. Let holiness rise in me like morning light and obedience flow from me like quiet rivers of grace. May every thought, every word, every small act of faith echo one longing, that I may be well pleasing in Your sight. And as Your glory rests on my life, let all honor return to You alone. Amen.
BDD
