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Week 5: WHATEVER IS LOVELY…
Your life always moves in the direction of your strongest thoughts
“Whatever is lovely… think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
“Lovely”: Greek prosphiles. From pros, “toward” and phileo, “like” or “love.” Appealing; enjoyable; delightful; to one’s liking
NRSV: “Whatever is appealing… think about these things.”
Why cultivate delight?
1. Delight is
We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy … 1 Corinthians 1:24
Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith … Philippians 1:25
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross … Hebrews 12:2
2. Delight is
So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this! Ecclesiastes 9:7
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 1 Timothy 4:4-5
…put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
3. Delight is
The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy. Psalm 65:8
Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Psalm 11:2
Enjoy life with your beloved wife… Ecclesiastes 9:9
The LORD has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts, to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze … and to engage in all kinds of artistic craft. Exodus 35:31-33
The ultimate delight to which all true delight leads:
One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4
How do I do this?
Beware the path of
QUESTIONS
For personal reflection or group discussion
Read Psalm 65. What does this writer praise God for? Spend time today praising God for similar things in your life!
In what circumstance in your life now do you need to take some time to think about what’s beautiful instead of what’s terrible?
Have you ever experienced awe in a way that changed you—even for a moment? Describe that experience. Read Ephesians 3:14-22. How can awe of God’s love for you change you?
What do you find delightful? Surfing? Walking? Children? Nature? Music? Art? Reading? How can you intentionally think about and experience this more?
Remember, you can delight in the ordinary, not just the extraordinary. Think back to when you were a child. What ordinary things did you delight in: The sidewalk in front of your house, rain puddles, pets? Today choose to delight in the ordinary gifts of life––they are also gifts of God’s grace to you!
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