“Delighting in the Word of God.”
Psalm 119:1-32
If someone were to ask you to describe the Bible, what words would you use? Would you use words like difficult and confusing? Would you use words like beautiful, faithful, enduring, encouraging, uplifting? Would you describe the Word of God with phrases like sweeter than honey, or worth more than fine gold? Psalm 119 is a celebration of the Word of God. It uses around eight different words in reference to the Word of God. Almost every verse uses a synonym for the Word such as decrees, commandments, statutes, judgements, instruction, law, or promise.
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible containing 176 verses. It is longer than many of the Old Testament prophetic books and some of the New Testament letters. The psalmist celebrates God’s Word. We can learn a lot about loving God’s Word by reading, studying, and even memorizing verses from this psalm.
If you believe that Jesus is Lord and that He died to bring forgiveness of sins to His people, then the Word of God should have a central place in your life. Disciples of Jesus should delight in God’s Word. Disciples of Jesus should love reading, studying, memorizing, and being formed by God’s Word. It is not an accident that God’s Word has been preserved and it is not an accident that God has given His Word to His people in the form of a book. All of God’s people have access to His Word. God desires us to know Him so that we can come to Him through Christ. God desires a relationship with us. God’s Word is preserved for us so that we can come to know Him through the Bible.
The Bible is also a source of direction. The Holy Spirit helps us as we read God’s Word so that we can understand what we are reading and come to faith in the God who speaks to us through His Word. For some, reading the Bible is challenging. If that describes you, I want to give you some helpful tips for personal Bible study at home. First, always pray for God’s guidance before you sit down to read. Second, get a reliable English translation that is easier to understand. I recommend the English Standard Version or the Christian Standard Bible. Third, get a study Bible that has footnotes to help you understand the text. There are study Bibles available in both of those translations (and many other translations as well). The best way to learn to delight in the Bible is to read it. Use Psalm 119 as a guide. Pray that God will help you delight in His Word. After you pray, dig into the wonderful Word of God.
