Winsome

Have you ever been around someone that made you feel like you were in the presence of the Lord? Their entire being radiates with the joy of the Lord. They truly are the sweet aroma the Scripture talks about. You leave their company feeling refreshed, encouraged, perhaps even challenged or maybe pushed beyond your comfort zone - all in love.

No matter what, you want to spend more time with them. Because you know that with them you will encounter the Living God. Winsome. Characterized by joy. Charming, not by the world's definition, but in the supernatural, Holy Spirit empowered manner that draws people to the Lord and invites them to taste and see that He is good. Esther had it. My beloved friend Rachel has it (by the way, Happy Belated Birthday, precious one - if only we weren't separated by the pond). The people in the church we have been attending have it.

I want it. More accurately, I want to live it. The truth is we all have it (we are the very presence of the Lord here on earth as members of His Body and inhabitants of His Spirit), but some of us don't know how to live it yet. We are still trapped in the bonds of religious performance, unable to walk freely in the grace of God. Myself included.

If I were honest, I would have to admit that being around these people can be intimidating. Sometimes when I sit in this congregation, I feel like I am back in college attempting to take a senior level English class without having all the prerequisite courses. Perhaps you know the feeling, like everyone around you knows something that you do not, but that you should and everyone assumes you do. Only, I do know what they know I just don't know how to truly know it. Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth? Perhaps not. Me neither.

An example always helps.

What is the difference? What do they understand and live that is missing in my life, and perhaps yours as well? Let me offer a few quotes followed by life examples to illustrate what I believe is the answer to those questions.

Sam Storm states, "God delights in our delight in Him." Or as John Piper says it, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."

Makes me think of my little Emmylou. You know what brings the most joy to my heart? Not when she performs some feat or task for me. Not even when she is pleased with something that I have given her. No, my greatest joy comes when I see the delight on her face at being in my presence. The contentment that takes over her little body when we just snuggle on the couch reading books together. The fact that being with me brings her happiness makes my heart sing. Her love brings me honor and delight.

Contrast that with other human relationships. The people in your life for whom you feel the obligation to earn their approval. They are not merely satisfied with nor do they enjoy your presence but instead require your performance. Their company becomes a burden to your heart. The work it takes to please them steals any joy there might be in just being with them.

Translate those examples to our relationship with the Heavenly Father. Which God do you serve? The God of the Bible looks at me in the same way I look at my Emmylou.

The irony is that by delighting myself in Him, feasting on Him, basking in His glory, I find the desire and strength to obey Him. His yoke truly is easy and light. By enjoying Him and His presence, I become a true reflection of Him to the world. I attract others to Him. I become winsome. Characterized by joy, not obligation and burden.

I want it. I will live it. Not for the approval of man. Not for them to praise me and say "how wonderful I am." But that they might "see my good works (and even my joyful countenance) and praise my Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). He is worthy.

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4). Even when the desire of your heart is to learn to delight in Him.