Do You Delight in God’s Word?
July 19, 2023
Do You Delight in God’s Word?
By Ashton Holt
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path…I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word!” Psalm 119:105,107a
Psalm 119 is an earnest prayer tracing the psalmist’s love for God’s word. As an acrostic poem, the author follows each letter of the Hebrew alphabet and declares his desire for God’s righteous law. The psalmist’s love for God’s law is admirable, yet it may leave Christians today wondering, “should we still love God’s law?” The poet of Psalm 119 would answer with a resounding yes!
The psalmist describes God’s law (or word) as a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. So often on the journey of life we take our eyes off God’s word. We are tempted to turn to other counselors, whether we choose other friends, motivational speakers, or even the internet! We live in an age of instant gratification and comfort. When problems arise, we crave instant resolution. Yet there remains a better way.
The Lord, merciful, patient, and abounding in steadfast love, obviously can intervene in the various problems of our lives and change them for the better. However, as a patient God, he often works marginally, step by step even. When God’s word is the delight of our heart and the longing of our soul, we see that he walks with us and lights our path. When we are severely afflicted, we turn to the age-old truth and promise to which God’s law point: “I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.” (Lev 26:12) We can cry out to the Word, Jesus Christ, to give us life according to him.
God is the truest counselor and comfort we can ever know. By cherishing and abiding in God’s word, we see that God walks with us in and through the best and hardest parts of life. Cling to God’s holy truth and receive the life that comes through his Word.
Reflection:
Consider how you delight in God’s Word? How does it inform your life? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Related Resource
Follow the ancient way of the Psalms and find the life God has for you. A model for vibrant worship, the Psalms provide practical wisdom to traverse the circuitous path of life with trust and hope. Pilgrim’s Path: A Study of the Psalms traces our spiritual walk with God—from discovery and delight, through doubt and disappointment, into joyful confidence. Whether used for individual or group study, Pilgrim’s Path is for everyone who seeks to know and love God more and find life in him.
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