God Delights in Those Who Fear Him – Ps. 147:10-11

His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
the LORD delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.Psalm 147:10-11 NIV

We seem to be most impressed with the strong and powerful, the talented, and the physically beautiful. They receive more attention and have more influence than other people do. But what we find attractive and appealing in people is not the same as what God is looking for.

God delights in those who fear him and put their hope in his love. It does not matter how powerful or talented a person is. Their outward appearance and abilities are not important to him. What God cares about is what is in our hearts.

Fearing God is not the same as fearing walking down a dark alley at night. According to Vines Expository Dictionary, “Used of a person in an exalted position, ‘fear’ connotes ‘standing in awe.’” It is reverence and the rendering of proper respect. To fear God is to stand in awe of him and recognize his rightful place as our Lord and God. To bow before him in humble submission.

And putting our hope in his unfailing love means that we are trusting in him to take care of us. God does not judge us by human standards. Instead, he delights in what is on the inside. On a heart that is given wholly to him. God delights in those who fear him,