The delight of the ministry is found in various accomplishments. The delight of the ministry can be fickle. The delight of the ministry can be fleeting.
David found his delight in the appropriate. He found his delight in the thing of which he always found delight. Sheep. Not just the animal, but also the people. Not just any people. He found his delight in the saints.
"As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight." - Psalm 16:3
David was drawn to those who were holy. Noble. Righteous. As a king, his heart was turned toward those who were upright. They were the excellent ones in whom he took great delight.
I've been a pastor for 20 years. Over those 20 years I've been drawn to a lot of things. I've been drawn to notoriety, recognition, and financial security. Those are the wrong things. As I've grown older I find myself being drawn to the saints of all ages. I find my self drawn toward the weathered but faithful. I find myself celebrating those who passionately pursue Christ and disciple others.
They are the excellent ones.
Not the notable. Not the famous. Not the household names. No, it's the single mom who makes time to be in a Group because she wants to raise her children to see Jesus in her. It's the blue collar worker to puts in a 12 hour shift but not before he reads God's word and worships in the morning. It's the CEO who takes his staff through a bible study and gives generously in good stewardship because he desires the Father's approval more than anything.
They are the excellent ones.
A leader can be drawn to many things, but the leader after God's heart is always drawn back to the sheep. He never abandons his post as a Shepherd no matter how many obligations come his way. Discipleship is always his priority, salvation is always his weather vane.
This is the posture of our Heavenly Father. If you want to hear Him more, sense His presence, and experience the supernatural in your life, it's not about fame. It's not about accomplishment. It's about intimacy. May you be the one of whom He declares, "As for ________ , he/she is an excellent one, in whom is all my delight."