Delighting in the Law of God
The Power of the Word
Psalm 119
In our previous devotional, we examined the various terms the Psalmist used to describe the nature and truth of God’s Word. However, the Bible is not only authoritative in its message; it is transformative in its application. The Psalm not only seeks to highlight the purity of the Word as the basis for truth in a confused world, but it also communicates the richness of its application. The Bible is more than just a book of information; it is the source of life.
Psalm 119 begins with an affirmation of blessing for those who obey and live by God's law. The word “blessed” literally means “happy or fortunate.” However, it means more than just superficial happiness; it is grounded in the joy that comes from having a right relationship with God. Throughout the psalms, the word “blessed” is used repeatedly of those who have the most profound sense of joy and peace because they trust in God and obey Him. However, this standing does not come through religious rituals; instead, as the Psalmist points out in verses 1-2, it comes to those who seek God with all their heart and walk in obedience to God's law.
In our pursuit of a truly happy, satisfied, and fulfilled life, we find the key in the law of God. Throughout the Psalm, the writer not only describes the multifaceted nature of God’s Word but also the manifold blessings that come from our obedience to God’s Word. The law of God protects us from the devastation of sin by giving us moral and spiritual clarity (vss . 9-11). When we are spiritually and emotionally empty and our lives lack joy and meaning, the law of God revives our spirit, bringing hope and strength (vs. 25). When we are falsely accused and rejected by others, we find peace in the words of God and His commands (vs 42). When God seems distant and we feel spiritually confused, God’s Word brings clarity and understanding (vss. 57-58).
Life is not always easy, and we face sorrow and affliction that cause spiritual confusion. It is during these times that God’s Word not only provides comfort (vss. 76, 153-160) but also offers clarity and perspective. It gives us hope by showing that affliction and suffering are not always destructive, but serve as teachers pointing us to the hope found in Scripture (vss. 71-72). When we experience spiritual and emotional darkness, we find comfort, clarity, and help in God’s commands (vss. 81-88). The law of God also brings clarity when it seems as if wickedness is everywhere. Today, many people live in despair due to the malice and moral decline of our society. However, as we examine His Word, we are reminded that God is the one who established and preserves the earth and remains in control (vss. 89-96). God’s Word provides clarity in life and decision-making. When the future appears dark, uncertain, and foreboding, His Word offers clarity, guidance, and joy (vss. 105-112). This is why God’s commands are more valuable than riches or gold (vs. 72), for they can offer what prosperity cannot—understanding in life (vss. 125-128). His Word can give us peace and security amid life's uncertainties (vs. 165).
For the Psalmist (and for us), the law of God is not just a set of rules and regulations; it is life itself. The commands of God not only give us hope but also provide the security of a right relationship with God. Therefore, we must develop a deep love for God’s Word (vss. 47-48). There is no greater joy, no greater pleasure than the richness of God’s (103). They are “the joy of my heart” (vs. 111). Thus, the Psalmist not only reminds us of the truthfulness of God’s Word but also challenges us to make the commands of God the delight of our lives. They are to be the one thing we desire most. When we love God’s laws, we discover “great peace” (vs. 165). The only question that remains is for us to ask ourselves, “Do I find joy in God’s Word, and is it the one thing we love more than anything else?” The more we study the Bible and make it the object of our affections, the more we discover the joy and blessing that come when we live by God’s Word.
Psalm 119
In our previous devotional, we examined the various terms the Psalmist used to describe the nature and truth of God’s Word. However, the Bible is not only authoritative in its message; it is transformative in its application. The Psalm not only seeks to highlight the purity of the Word as the basis for truth in a confused world, but it also communicates the richness of its application. The Bible is more than just a book of information; it is the source of life.
Psalm 119 begins with an affirmation of blessing for those who obey and live by God's law. The word “blessed” literally means “happy or fortunate.” However, it means more than just superficial happiness; it is grounded in the joy that comes from having a right relationship with God. Throughout the psalms, the word “blessed” is used repeatedly of those who have the most profound sense of joy and peace because they trust in God and obey Him. However, this standing does not come through religious rituals; instead, as the Psalmist points out in verses 1-2, it comes to those who seek God with all their heart and walk in obedience to God's law.
In our pursuit of a truly happy, satisfied, and fulfilled life, we find the key in the law of God. Throughout the Psalm, the writer not only describes the multifaceted nature of God’s Word but also the manifold blessings that come from our obedience to God’s Word. The law of God protects us from the devastation of sin by giving us moral and spiritual clarity (vss . 9-11). When we are spiritually and emotionally empty and our lives lack joy and meaning, the law of God revives our spirit, bringing hope and strength (vs. 25). When we are falsely accused and rejected by others, we find peace in the words of God and His commands (vs 42). When God seems distant and we feel spiritually confused, God’s Word brings clarity and understanding (vss. 57-58).
Life is not always easy, and we face sorrow and affliction that cause spiritual confusion. It is during these times that God’s Word not only provides comfort (vss. 76, 153-160) but also offers clarity and perspective. It gives us hope by showing that affliction and suffering are not always destructive, but serve as teachers pointing us to the hope found in Scripture (vss. 71-72). When we experience spiritual and emotional darkness, we find comfort, clarity, and help in God’s commands (vss. 81-88). The law of God also brings clarity when it seems as if wickedness is everywhere. Today, many people live in despair due to the malice and moral decline of our society. However, as we examine His Word, we are reminded that God is the one who established and preserves the earth and remains in control (vss. 89-96). God’s Word provides clarity in life and decision-making. When the future appears dark, uncertain, and foreboding, His Word offers clarity, guidance, and joy (vss. 105-112). This is why God’s commands are more valuable than riches or gold (vs. 72), for they can offer what prosperity cannot—understanding in life (vss. 125-128). His Word can give us peace and security amid life's uncertainties (vs. 165).
For the Psalmist (and for us), the law of God is not just a set of rules and regulations; it is life itself. The commands of God not only give us hope but also provide the security of a right relationship with God. Therefore, we must develop a deep love for God’s Word (vss. 47-48). There is no greater joy, no greater pleasure than the richness of God’s (103). They are “the joy of my heart” (vs. 111). Thus, the Psalmist not only reminds us of the truthfulness of God’s Word but also challenges us to make the commands of God the delight of our lives. They are to be the one thing we desire most. When we love God’s laws, we discover “great peace” (vs. 165). The only question that remains is for us to ask ourselves, “Do I find joy in God’s Word, and is it the one thing we love more than anything else?” The more we study the Bible and make it the object of our affections, the more we discover the joy and blessing that come when we live by God’s Word.
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