the certain pleasure of God

I pulled an old journal off the shelf this morning, looking for space to write. Flipping through the pages, I came across this entry, written after a night when the "companions of anxiety and worry kept me awake":

"My gaze stopped at the (potential) displeasure of man rather than the certain pleasure of God."

Selah. Pause and think about that, Susan!

I'm in a couple of situations right now where I struggle with the perceived displeasure of man. But what about the certain pleasure of God? Will I live with my perspective half empty--or half full?

It's Christmas, for Pete's sake. (And who was Pete, anyway?) Christmas--the day when the certain pleasure of God was fulfilled for all mankind.

Luke 2:14 reads, "Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [ men of goodwill, of His favor]."

I Corinthians 1:21, "For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe."

Psalm 149:4 reads, "For the LORD takes pleasure in His people;He will beautify the humble with salvation."

God, please help me live in joyful awareness of Your certain pleasure. Thank you for the gift of Jesus, the only Way to You.