What does the Bible say about God's desire toward us?

The scriptures indicate that God's desire is fundamentally directed towards His people, often expressed in the context of intimate, covenant love. In Song of Solomon 7:10, the church declares, 'I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me.' This statement emphasizes not only belonging but affirms the assurance that God's sovereign desire actively pursues His elect. The character of God's desire is not one of unfulfilled longing, as proposed by a popular view of God; rather, He fulfills His purpose with certainty, ensuring that those whom He desires will come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). The desire of a holy God toward undeserving sinners underscores the depth of His redeeming love. It is essential to understand that this desire stems from His sovereign will, culminating in Christ's sacrifice, which was predetermined for those chosen before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).