In our previous devotion, we saw that Jesus is the source of our happiness. Blessed (happy) is the man who is in Jesus Christ, so said the Psalmist, “but his delight is in the law of the LORD” Psalm 1:2
There are two ways to live in this world; To be dependent on God or to be independent of God.
People who live independently from God can have prosperity, good health, and success. However, Psalm 1:4 shows us that those good things in life are fleeting.
“4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.” Psalm 1:4
The Christian’s ultimate delight is not on the things that do not have lasting worth. The Bible does not say that It is unwise or sinful to have prosperity, good health, or personal desires. Jesus tells us that God delights to give good things to His children.
“11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11
God does give prosperity, good health, and success to His children, but those good things should not be their ultimate delight. Neither is the pursuit of the good things in life their goal. Our goals and delights are found in the instructions and laws of God.
Often our perspective of the “law” is negative. Many view God’s law as something that curtails our freedom and desire. However, the Psalmist says that “(but) his delight is in the law of the LORD.” How are we to understand this? How do we obey perfectly even if we are to heed the Psalmist’s advice?
On closer examination, delight in God comes before delighting in God’s law. We delight in the beauty of God before we consider His law. If we emphasize the keeping, studying, and observing God’s law before we knew of God’s beauty, the law indeed will be a crutch in our lives.
When we see God for all that He is worth, surely His law should delight us, for we will see that the law is a person, Jesus. Jesus came to fulfill the requirement of the law that governs our salvation. He took the just penalty that is required by the law. Also, the law is the characteristic of God; it is who God is.
Would you say that for what Jesus has done, we would gladly follow Him, be like Him, and obey Him? If that is our desire, we will delight in the law, for Jesus is the law. Knowing God’s law is then akin to knowing God.
It is impossible to claim one’s love for God but hate His Word. Just as the Psalmist says, to love God is to “meditate day and night” on God’s law.
There is no denying that we are confined by a 24-hour day. Life is hectic, and there is always insufficient time and energy to accomplish all that we have to do. However, I believe the challenge of meditating on the Bible is not about the time needed. We need to ask ourselves what is vital for us.
God does not guilt anyone to sit before Him. He wants His children to love Him for who He is, and we would like the same with our children. It thrills me when my children come to me, not for any reason other than me being their father and that they simply want to be with me.
Sitting before God is a discipline, not a ritual. We have to learn to sort out our schedule to do it. God will never deny us when we fail to spend time with Him. God’s love for us will never allow Him to forsake us.
How do we respond to God’s love for us? Is it through serving Him? Going to the most challenging part of the world to proclaim the Gospel? Doing away with our hard-earned money to help a neighbor in need? Those are the fruits of our love for Him. Our love for God is shown by our desire to be with Him.
How are we to meditate on God’s law?
Find a suitable time that you can give God your undivided attention. Since we are a creature of habit, make the set time consistent. Read God’s Word with care. Reread (meditate) them to taste its meaning. Pray over what you have read. Commit His Word to memory. Test God’s Word with your life. If there is any incomprehensible or difficult verse, bring it to God. Search any good commentary or theological dictionary. Let God’s Word soak into the depth of your soul. This is delighting in God’s Word.
These are some suggestions to develop a new lifestyle in enjoying God’s Word. May His Word sustain and build you up. May His Word be a delight to you as you meditate upon it.