God’s Good Pleasure: Resting in His Delight
Ephesians is my favorite book of the Bible for so many reasons. As I read through it recently, I was struck by how Paul highlights God’s good pleasure. God didn’t save us out of obligation or duty—He saved us because it brought Him joy. Let that sink in!
That little phrase, according to His good pleasure (and others like it), shows up several times in just the first chapters of Ephesians. It’s a reminder that our salvation, our adoption, and the purpose for our lives all flow out of God’s delight (His good pleasure). He wanted us. He chose us. He enjoys us.
The truth of God’s Word can sometimes be so overwhelming for us that it is hard for us to believe, BUT, it IS true. Even if you don’t (or can’t) believe certain parts of it now, as you continue to grow in Christ and read the scriptures your faith will grow and you will begin to believe what He says is true of you. Let’s explore some of these truths found in Ephesians.
1. His Good Pleasure in Adoption
Ephesians 1:5 “He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.”
God didn’t adopt us reluctantly, it actually gave Him pleasure to do so. He didn’t look at us with annoyance or treat us as an obligation. He chose us with joy. It gave Him pleasure to make us His children. That means your identity is not rooted in striving or performance—it’s rooted in His delight.
Takeaway: You don’t have to earn your place at His table. You’re already seated there as His beloved daughter. Want proof of how I know this? Ephesians 2:5-6 “even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus”
2. His Good Pleasure in Revelation
Ephesians 1:9 “He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure…”
God loves to reveal His heart to His children. The mystery Paul is talking about here is Christ uniting all things to Himself. That’s not something He hides from us—it’s something He shares with us. His Word isn’t a locked book; it’s an open invitation to know Him more.
Takeaway: When you open your Bible, expect God to want to speak to you. He delights in sharing His truth with you. How do I know? God reveals the mystery in Ephesians 1:10 “ to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”
3. His Good Pleasure in Purpose
Ephesians 1:11 “…we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.”
Your life is not random. Every detail is woven into His sovereign plan, guided by His will, and rooted in His purpose.
Takeaway: Even when things look uncertain, you can trust that He is working it all together with purpose and care. How do I know? Psalm 138:8 “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;
4. His Good Pleasure in Eternal Security
Ephesians 3:11 “This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
God’s will and purpose is eternal and unshakable. The good work He started in you is anchored in Christ’s finished work. You’ve got to remember there is NOTHING we can add to salvation. We don’t get there by our works. When Christ died on the cross He said, “it is finished.” It’s not about what we do, but what He has done that makes all the difference.
Takeaway: Your salvation and future are not fragile; they are secure in the eternal purpose of God. How do I know?
Phillipians 1:6 “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”
Resting in His Delight
Paul’s words in Ephesians remind us that God is not a reluctant Father, a distant ruler, or a begrudging Savior. He is not mostly mad, or mostly sad at us His children. He is a God who delights in us. Everything He has done in Christ—for you and for me—has been done out of His good pleasure.
And that, my friend, is where our confidence is built. Not in our performance. Not in our striving. But in His joy.
What’s next?
When you feel like you’re not enough or when doubt starts whispering, remind yourself of this: It was His good pleasure to choose me. It delights Him to call me His own. Keep reminding yourself of the truth of His Word and your faith will grow, the voice in your head (or from the world) will be drowned out by His empowering love and commitment to you as a loving Father.
Looking to grow deeper in your faith and learn more about your identity in Christ? If so the best way to do that is to armor up as Ephesians 6 calls us to. You can learn more about that is my latest book: Thrive in God’s Armor available for sale through Amazon. You can find the link for the book HERE
Sometimes we can struggle with our prayer life. If this is you and you need a boost or some encouragement you can find help by learning more about how prayer works. This guide will help get you started or reboot your prayer life. You can read the article HERE
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