“He delivered me because He delighted in me” (Ps. 18:19 NKJ).
Out of the Dark Ages came a concept of God that is very terrifying. He was pictured as angry, full of wrath, and looking for an opportunity to strike people down at the slightest provocation. The idea was: “If you step out of line for a second, the Lord is going to get you!” Unfortunately, this idea still exists today.
It is the goodness of God that leads people to repentance. God’s goodness is extended to us daily in many varied ways. This verse says that He actually finds pleasure in us and delivers us because of His great love for us.
One day while working for a boss who was impossible to please, I began to pray for grace sufficient to function adequately in such a deplorable situation. As I prayed, the Lord revealed to me an area of wounded pride that I had to surrender. He also showed me how resistant I was at that time to an authority figure. Again I surrendered. Then He showed me how to please a fellow human who was very insecure. Finally, He revealed to me how delighted He is in His redeemed.
We are very precious to the Lord. Why the God of the universe should delight Himself in us mortals is a question which cannot be answered. It is a mystery which angels cannot solve. That He does delight in us is certain. The benefits of that favor are numerous.
I benefited from my surrender to the Lord. Not only was I enriched by seeking the Lord for help, I also discovered a new way to get along with an impossible boss. Best of all, because of this situation I learned how much the Lord delighted in me.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.