"He will take great delight in you, . . . He will rejoice over you with singing." You really bring joy to God. He has invested His life in saving you, don't you think He really counts you as a treasure.
Luke 15:8-10 is a parable in which Jesus tells of a woman who loses one of her ten silver coins. The coins were a traditional wedding gift to a Palestinian woman, and each was equal to a day's wage. There was a sentimental value to these coins as well, almost like that of a wedding ring. She was distressed over losing the coin and spent a great deal of time looking for it. She lit a lamp and swept the house, searching carefully until she found the coin. When it was found, she called her friends and neighbors to have them rejoice with her in its recovery. Jesus says in Luke 15:10, "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Each of us is special to God. He grieves if one of us remains lost and rejoices when someone is brought into His kingdom. Perhaps we would have more joy in our churches if we shared Jesus' love and concern for the lost.* We should be more like God and love the repentant people who come into our churches and offer them the support and encouragement they need to grow in their new relationship with Jesus Christ.
Malachi 3:16-17 says this about those who fear the Lord and honor his name, "They will be mine," says the LORD Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him." God counts those who are faithful to Him as treasured possessions. How often have you felt less than treasured by those around you? Has an argument with someone you love left you feeling less than special? Has a boss or co-worker caused you an unusual amount of distress? Well, remember the one who created it all counts you as a treasured possession. You are valuable because you are one of God's children. Find rest in that.
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9 NIV)