Graham Kendrick - I Delight Lyrics
Lyrics
I delight greatly in the Lord
In him is all my happiness
For he has made me beautiful and bright
In robes of righteousness
I delight greatly in the Lord
I delight greatly in the Lord
Filthy rags he changed for riches
Gave me honour for my shame
Dressed me in his strength and splendor
I will glorify his name
Hearts so full of celebration
Like a bride upon her wedding day
Dressed like priests with his salvation
We will ever sing for joy
Video
Graham Kendrick- I Delight Greatly In The Lord (Hosanna! Music/ Public Praise)
Meaning & Inspiration
Graham Kendrick's "I Delight," released on January 1, 1991, as part of his album "Crown Him," stands as a radiant beacon within contemporary worship music, offering a profound exploration of joy and identity found solely in the Lord. This song is not merely a collection of verses; it is a declaration, a testimony, and an invitation to experience the transformative power of God's grace. Kendrick, known for his prolific contributions to modern hymnody, crafts a piece here that beautifully articulates the Christian journey from spiritual destitution to glorious spiritual endowment, focusing intently on the message of divine transformation and the resulting, unshakeable gladness.
The core meaning of "I Delight" springs from a deep well of biblical truth, celebrating the profound happiness that flows from a relationship with God. The opening lines, "I delight greatly in the Lord / In him is all my happiness," immediately draw parallels to Psalm 37:4, which encourages believers to "delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This delight isn't a superficial emotion but a settled, joyful contentment rooted in God's character and His actions on our behalf. The song progresses to explain the *reason* for this delight: "For he has made me beautiful and bright / In robes of righteousness." This powerful imagery directly echoes Isaiah 61:10, where the prophet exults, "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." It speaks to a radical spiritual makeover, a divine exchange where human sin and brokenness are replaced by God's own perfection, making the believer righteous in His sight.
The song’s second stanza powerfully details this exchange: "Filthy rags he changed for riches / Gave me honour for my shame / Dressed me in his strength and splendor / I will glorify his name." The reference to "filthy rags" immediately brings to mind Isaiah 64:6, where human self-righteousness is compared to "filthy rags," emphasizing our utter inability to earn God's favor. Kendrick highlights the staggering generosity of God who, in His mercy, takes our shame and spiritual poverty and bestows upon us an abundance of spiritual "riches" – the priceless inheritance found in Christ (Ephesians 1:7). He grants "honour for my shame," echoing Isaiah 61:7 which promises that "Instead of your shame, you will receive a double portion." This divine transaction culminates in being "dressed in his strength and splendor," a covering of divine power and glory, empowering us to live a life that naturally seeks to "glorify his name," making God's glory the ultimate aim of our transformed lives.
The final stanza broadens the scope from personal testimony to a corporate celebration, envisioning the gathered people of God. "Hearts so full of celebration / Like a bride upon her wedding day," evokes the joyous anticipation of the Church, the bride of Christ, eagerly awaiting her eternal union with Him (Revelation 19:7). This imagery paints a picture of ultimate joy, unparalleled excitement, and profound belonging. Even more strikingly, Kendrick writes, "Dressed like priests with his salvation / We will ever sing for joy." This line draws from 1 Peter 2:9, which declares believers to be a "royal priesthood," called to offer spiritual sacrifices and proclaim the excellencies of God. Our "salvation" itself becomes our priestly garment, enabling us to approach God with confidence and serve Him in true holiness. This priestly identity is not limited to a select few but extends to all who are clothed in His salvation, empowering them to "ever sing for joy" – a continuous, unending song of praise that transcends earthly circumstances, a foretaste of the eternal worship found in heaven.
"I Delight" thus serves as a timeless anthem, inviting worshippers to embrace the fullness of their identity in Christ. It reminds us that our true happiness, our beauty, our honor, and our purpose are all divinely bestowed. Graham Kendrick masterfully weaves together these profound biblical themes, presenting a song that is both deeply theological and intensely personal, encouraging believers to rest in the radical transformation God has wrought and to respond with unceasing, joyful praise. Its message resonates deeply, inspiring individuals and congregations alike to fix their gaze on the Lord and discover the boundless delight that awaits in Him.