During a recent holiday, my wife and I were able to do something we haven’t had much chance to do since becoming parents – go on a date! We all need pampering from time to time. With our daughter being looked after by grandparents, Rachel and I went out for lunch at a very nice restaurant. It was not something we have the opportunity to do or can afford to do very often, so we savoured every morsel and moment. More than the skilfully prepared and exquisitely presented food, I enjoyed spending quality time with the one I love more than anyone else in this whole world.

Many Christians are familiar with Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” The Hebrew root translated “delight yourself” can also mean to “pamper oneself” or “take exquisite delight” or “be happy about”. It is also connected with delicateness and luxury. In other words, we are called to truly enjoy God, savouring His presence and basking in the riches of His glory.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism begins with this well-known question and answer: “What is the chief end [or purpose] of man?” “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” This is an astounding statement! There is nothing more fulfilling than giving God the praise and honour He deserves, aligning our thoughts, words and deeds with His will, and taking delight in knowing Him. Delighting ourselves in the LORD is not merely an occasional treat. We can and should do this all the time. Marvelling at His love, His holiness, His power. Allowing ourselves to be awestruck at His grace in redeeming us from sin and death. When we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us what we have come to desire: more of Him.

So go ahead and ‘pamper’ your soul today: marvel at God’s creation, meditate on His Word, and magnify His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.