So I have the Holman Christian Standard Bible, given to me by a church I visited once or twice in high school. I highly suggest you ask the pastor leading your congregation for a Bible if you do not yet have a hard copy for yourself before you spend a bunch of money on one. Anyways, it is most similar to the NIV translation, but not exactly. In my Bible, the word “pleased” as its seen in this image is instead “favor.” Which word does your Bible translation use for this description? When I read this with the word “favor” in my own Bible, I found it absolutely astounding! Out of all of the billions of people in the world, out of all of the other living and non-living things that God has created, and out of all of the stars in the sky that hang by His command, He says He knows me by name! That just seems downright impossible! Also, what could I have possibly done to earn His favor?! I know He finds favor in a meek spirit who submits obediently out of its love for Him as Father and Creator, but it seems twisted that He would be so satisfied with someone who is completely incapable of really doing anything for Him. It seems that He gets nothing in return, and still He says that He finds favor in me, and knows me by name. Woah. It‘s not sensible. He shouldn’t care about this weak, fleshy mom of 2 just trying to keep everyone fed and clean - but He does! So much! And He cares about you so much, too! He promises to go with us to distinguish us from the other people on the face of the earth in order so that we may lead His people up to Him! He destroyed the separation between Him and us by sending His one and only Son as ransom so that His Spirit could live with us wherever we go. Because of this act of love, His tent of meeting is no longer outside of the camp, but it is now in our hearts. He is a God who is faithful in every promise that He makes! I’m so grateful that He has set me apart from the other people on the face of the earth so that I could live with Him now and forever! Have you let Him in yet for the same result? If today is the day you choose to make that choice, let me know so we can chat more about that exciting decision!
“Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.”
Psalms 4:3