Delighting In The Word of God

When I read through Psalm 119, I am amazed at how much the psalmist mentions his enjoyment of the word of God. He delights in it! He loves it! And he does so because for him, God’s word was a gift. It was a part of his relationship with God. It was instruction in how to live a life that reflected the greatness and goodness of Yahweh.

We must remind ourselves that God has spoken! And in these days He has spoken most definitively through His Son (see Hebrews 1: 1-4). The coming of Christ and His work on the cross is the fulfillment of all the promises found in the Old Testament. Therefore, the death, burial and resurrection of Christ is the crux of Scripture and is “of first importance” (1 Corinthians 15:3-5).

Furthermore, it is this message, the gospel of the  person and work of Christ, which is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). It is a message that is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Should we not, therefore, be as the Psalmist and be delighted that God has spoken? Should we not praise Him for His final word found in the coming of His Son? If the message of Christ, compared with the message of the law (see Hebrews 4:1-4; 10:1-18), is greater, how much greater should be our delighting in it?

Psalm 119

Consider the Psalmist and his words of worship to God as he writes of his delight, yearning, and love of God’s word. May his words spur us to reflect upon God’s word as live-giving, sustaining, and enduring. And may we say with the Psalmist, Oh how I delight in your word!

 In the way of your testimonies I delight 
as much as in all riches (14)

I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. (16)

My soul is consumed with longing 
for your rules at all times. (20)

Your testimonies are my delight; 
they are my counselors. (24)

Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. (35)

I find my delight in your commandments,
 which I love. (47)

I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
 and I will meditate on your statutes. (48)

Their heart is unfeeling like fat,
 but I delight in your law. (70)

The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. (72)

Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; 
for your law is my delight. (77)

If your law had not been my delight, 
I would have perished in my affliction. (92)

Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. (97)

How sweet are your words to my taste, 
sweeter than honey to my mouth! (103)

Your testimonies are my heritage forever, 
for they are the joy of my heart. (111)

I hate the double-minded,
 but I love your law. (113)

All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, 
therefore I love your testimonies. (119)

Therefore I love your commandments
 above gold, above fine gold. (127)

Your testimonies are wonderful; 
therefore my soul keeps them. (129)

Trouble and anguish have found me out,
 but your commandments are my delight. (143)

Consider how I love your precepts! 
Give me life according to your steadfast love. (159)

Princes persecute me without cause, 
but my heart stands in awe of your words. (161)

I rejoice at your word 
like one who finds great spoil. (162)

I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law. (163)

 Seven times a day I praise you
 for your righteous rules. (164)

Great peace have those who love your law; 
nothing can make them stumble. (165)

My soul keeps your testimonies;
 I love them exceedingly. (167)

I long for your salvation, O Lord,
 and your law is my delight. (174)