This verse needs to be “studied” and not just “read” as it is translated. A God who demands to be “feared” does not seem appealing to most people. When we are able to teach them that to “fear God” means to hold him in our hearts and minds with amazing awe, they can then understand why the psalmist said, “The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him.”

Whenever we feel distanced from God or doubtful of his love and power, we need to take time to remember and trust that he has always been the God revealed to us in Scripture. We worship the same God who parted the Red Sea, raised Enoch and Lazarus, and who put breath in our lungs this morning.. 

Why does God take pleasure in the fact that we know and trust him at the deepest levels? God wants us to choose his leadership rather than follow something less. God wants us to seek his favor rather than popularity with the world. God wants us to “hope in his steadfast love” rather than depend on the imperfect love that will often be offered by people this side of heaven. 

When we place our hope in anything or anyone besides God, we are trusting something that is less than he wants for our lives. That’s why we were told to “fear” God and give him our honor, glory, respect, and trust. That right relationship to God will provide us with discernment, humility, faith, hope, and trust in the promises of God’s word.

Pleasing God is wisdom. Fearing God is the wise choice that brings pleasure to our heavenly Father because he wants us to place our hope in his “steadfast love.”