DELIGHT IN GOD’S WORD (3)

“Praise the Lord! How BLESSED is the man who fears the Lord, who GREATLY DELIGHTS in His commandments” – Psalm 112:1

Immense blessings and rewards follow when we DELIGHT in GOD’S WORD: “Praise the Lord! How BLESSED is the man who fears the Lord, who GREATLY DELIGHTS in His commandments” (Psa.112:1). It is spiritually profitable to resolve to delight in God’s statutes and to not forget His Word (Psa.119:16). David testified in Psalm 19: 9b-11, “The judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold. Yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is GREAT REWARD.” Great Delight in God’s Word results in Great Reward!

Psalm 112 states many blessings and distinct dealings of God in the life of an obedient, Word-delighting Believer. God will do things in such a life that the ungodly will never experience. It’s worth it to love and heed His instructions, commandments, and precepts. Even generational financial and material blessings will follow: “His descendants will be mighty on earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in his house, and his righteousness endures forever” (vv.2-3). Such a Believer develops an attitude of seeing the good in even “bad” situations: “Unto the upright there arises light in darkness” (v.4a). He is steadfast and sure-footed amidst life’s trials (vv.6-8).

ABUNDANT FRUITFULNESS and spiritual stability in the Christian life are experienced in direct proportion to the extent to which we delight in God’s Word (Psa.1: 1-3). What made the psalmist blessed was not merely what he avoided – foolish and worldly counsel, but what he embraced – Biblical Truth. Therefore, whoever delights in the counsel of God will be blessed to prosper and succeed in all he or she does.

SOUND COUNSEL follows those who delight in God’s Word: “Your testimonies also are my delight; they are my counselors” (Psa.119:24). Lovers of His Word never lack sound counsel! The stories and historical accounts of God’s Grace in human lives, are a delight and counselor. They bring Joy, while also instructing, teaching, and guiding. These Bible testimonies are vital to our faith: “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Rom.15:4). The Lord is the best Story-teller. The stories of Scripture serve to teach us how to act, persevere, hold fast to God’s Word, and hold out in hope.

DELIVERANCE from affliction is assured those who delight in God’s Word: “If Your law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction” (Psa.119:92). God’s Word delivers and saves. Can we imagine how our lives would be today had we not heard the Word and made a decision to follow Jesus! The Word has answers – and is the Answer – to all of life’s questions and insecurities. The preceding verse 91 says, “I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.” Safety and Security are found in God’s Word! God has something to say about anything we’re facing. Whatever challenges we’re going through, His Word addresses it. We’re not abandoned or alone. We can find answers of guidance and encouragement throughout the pages of the Bible, as we let the words penetrate our hearts.

JOY and GREAT REJOICING are the portions of those who delight in God’s Word: “I have inherited Your testimonies forever, for they are the joy of my heart” (Psa.119:111). The psalmist regarded the Word of God as one does a rich inheritance. It was to him as a precious possession. He was a heir to the Word. Having inherited them from his fathers, he was determined to leave them to his family forever! If a man can leave nothing to his child but a Bible, he bequeaths him the greatest treasure. David chose the Word as his portion above all things else, for they were the rejoicing of his heart. His satisfaction was in the Word! We too can find fulfilment and constant comfort in God’s Word!