Delight in the Lord

I discovered Psalm 37:4 so many years ago that I can’t even say when it happened. Somewhere between child 4 and 5 which was a span of six years in the early 2000s. It’s incredible to me how my interpretation of this scripture has changed as I have changed and as my faith and perspective has grown over the last two decades of my life.

I continuously go back to this scripture because it represents a moment in my life when I had a revelation of a different perspective of who God is and who he wants to be to me. My previous understanding of God came from a confusing religious background in which I was taught (or at least I interpreted what I was taught) that if I hadn’t repented of all my sins before I went to sleep at night, and I died in my sleep, I would go to Hell. Hard stuff for a young girl.

Considering my early experiences with the judgmental character of God when I read this scripture for the first time, I had no concept of what it meant to “delight” myself “in the Lord”. How did I delight in a big scary guy sitting on a big white throne waiting to zap me for any sin I may have forgotten in my bedtime prayers?

That’s when, I believe for the first time, I began searching for the deeper meaning of a single word in scripture. What I found helped me begin a journey of searching for the character of God that I could delight in. What a beautiful journey of discovery and “delight” that has been and continues to be.

The word “delight” as used in Psalm 37:4 in the ancient Hebrew text is translated from “anog”. “Anog” means delicate, to feel good about oneself, or to enjoy life; it comes from a root word that suggests being soft or flexible, luxurious, or delicate. The deeper meaning of “anog” illustrates an inner happiness that is experienced by indulging in material luxury, or from a “deep, soul-satisfying joy directed toward God”.

The context in which the word is used is the best indicator of which meaning of “anog” is being applied. I can imagine a situation in which a friend of Jesus could experience a deep, soul-satisfying joy while being pampered by the generosity and abundance of Papa. It brings to mind my favorite vacation spot in a mountain cabin surrounded by family. Sipping hot coffee while looking out on the incredibly abundant, awe-inspiring beauty that God created for us to enjoy is beyond delightful.

Isaiah 55:2 seems to differentiate between the two applications and experiences of “anog” when it says,

Without the experience and understanding that all good gifts, luxuries, and abundance come from God nothing we can experience, purchase, or gain in life will bring us the true “anog”, soul-filling joy and delight, that time with the Father in gratitude and worship will bring us.

In the Greek language of the early Christian writings given to us in the New Testament. The Greek word often expressing the sense of "delight" or deep pleasure—especially in relation to God's will or His people—is "eudokeō". This term appears in various contexts and is translated in the NASB '95 as "well-pleased," "chosen gladly," or "well content," but its root meaning encompasses approval, good pleasure, and delight in something or someone.

In ancient Greek culture, "eudokeō" was used in everyday life to express consent or approval, often in legal documents or social agreements where one party found something favorable or pleasing. It carried a sense of thoughtful satisfaction, not just fleeting emotion, but a deliberate choice to find joy or favor in a person, action, or outcome—much like a benefactor delighting in giving gifts or a ruler approving a decree with personal gratification.

In the Biblical context, "eudokeō" reveals a God who actively delights in His creation and His redemptive plan, shifting from the Old Testament's emphasis on human delight in God to also highlighting God's delight in us through Christ. This word underscores the relational intimacy of the New Covenant, where God's pleasure isn't distant or conditional but expressed in His incarnation, sacrifice, and ongoing grace. It invites us to see delight not just as our response to Him, but as mutual—God finding joy in our faith and obedience, much like a loving parent reveling in their child's growth.

One powerful example comes in Matthew 3:17, at Jesus' baptism: "and behold, a voice out of the heavens said,

Here, "eudokeō" captures the Father's deep delight in the Son, setting the tone for Jesus' ministry and reminding us that God's pleasure rests on those aligned with His will. Culturally, this echoes Greek ideas of divine favor in heroic tales, but biblically, it points to the Trinity's perfect harmony and God's satisfaction in redemption's unfolding.

Another instance is in Luke 12:32, where Jesus reassures His followers:

The use of "eudokeō" here highlights God's willing delight in granting inheritance to His children, contrasting with cultural views of “gods” as capricious or demanding. In the Biblical narrative, it emphasizes God's generous heart, inviting believers to trust in His abundant provision rather than fear scarcity—much like a shepherd delighting in leading his flock to green pastures.

Reflecting on "eudokeō" has deepened my own walk, reminding me that the delight I seek in God is mirrored by His delight in me through Christ. It's not about earning favor but resting in the mutual joy of relationship, transforming everyday moments into opportunities for soul-satisfying connection.

So here I am, two decades later, still returning to this one little verses in Psalm 37 like a well-worn path home. What began as a desperate search for a God I could actually enjoy has turned into the sweetest discovery: He enjoys me. The little girl who once lay fearful in bed, mentally listing every possible sin, has learned to wake up laughing at the thought that Papa is already smiling over her before her feet hit the floor. 

“Anog” taught me I’m allowed to feel soft, luxurious, and deeply happy in His presence. “Eudokeō” assured me that the feeling is gloriously mutual. Together they have rewritten my entire story—from fear of a throne to rest in an embrace, from striving to be good enough to delighting because I’m already loved enough. And the promise tucked right there in the middle of the psalm? He really does give me the desires of my heart—because the more I delight in Him, the more my heart begins to want exactly what His heart has always wanted for me. 

So, I keep coming back, coffee in hand, mountains or not, whispering the same invitation that changed everything: Delight yourself in the Lord. It’s still the kindest, most life-giving thing He’s ever asked me to do—and the surest way I’ve found to wake up every morning inside the delight of God.

Word Challenge:

Explore more scriptures that speak of the "delight" of the Lord and "delight" in the Lord. How do those scriptures change or enhance your understanding and experience of the idea that not only are you free to delight in the Lord, to enjoy Him, He delights in you as you enjoy Him?

Reference

Biblehub.com