Delighting in God’s law is a key characteristic of the blessed person described in Psalm 1. At first glance, “delighting” in rules and regulations may not sound appealing. Yet this psalm shows that God’s law is life-giving and brings deep joy when embraced wholeheartedly.
What does it mean to “delight” in God’s law? The Hebrew word used here conveys enjoyment, fondness, and pleasure. The blessed person treasures God’s instructions, finds satisfaction in following them, and is not merely outwardly obedient but inwardly delighted.
Why delight in God’s law?
1. God’s law shows us how to live in line with his wise design. When we walk in his ways, we experience the benefits of living according to our Creator’s good purposes.
2. God’s law protects us from harm and sets healthy boundaries. Obeying God’s commands spares us from much pain and regret that comes from sinful disobedience.
3. God’s law guides us into deeper relationship with him. As we follow his instructions, we draw closer to God’s heart and understand his character more fully.
4. God’s law leads to blessing when obeyed from the heart. Scripture repeatedly states that those who treasure God’s commands know his favor. (Psalm 112:1, 119:2)
How can we grow in delighting in God’s law?
1. Study Scripture to understand God’s commands more completely. Ask God to give insight into his instructions.
2. Meditate on God’s word to appreciate the wisdom in his commands. Consider how they reflect his goodness.
3. Obey God’s explicit instructions with care and precision. Don’t dismiss details as insignificant.
4. Examine your heart. Confess ways you resent God’s laws. Ask him to replace that with delight.
5. Look for the benefits of obeying God’s word. Take note when following him leads to blessing.
6. Thank God for his instructions, even when difficult. Remember they are given in love for your good.
7. Ask God to cultivate a heart that treasurers his word above all else. Seek him earnestly in prayer and study.
8. Fellowship with other believers who love God’s law. Let their example inspire greater obedience.
9. Walk in God’s statutes daily. Delight grows as we consistently apply his word in all of life.
10. Keep in mind the Giver as well as the gift. Our delight is primarily in the God who lovingly gave his holy law.
Delighting inwardly in God’s law starts with appreciating that his commands reflect his wise and loving character. As we understand his heart of kindness behind the instructions, obedience becomes less burdensome. With consistent practice, aided by God’s Spirit, we can learn to treasure his word in our inmost being.
The blessed person does not view God’s law negatively, as limiting freedom or restricting pleasure. Rather, there is joy in living in alignment with the Creator’s design. There is security in following the path of wisdom laid out by the all-knowing God. There is satisfaction in walking in step with the One who knows what is best for us. God’s law spells freedom, not bondage, when we delight in him above all.
Ultimately, our delight is meant to be in the Lawgiver first, more than just the law. We love his word because we love him. The more we know God’s heart, the more we treasure his commands. The law is a reflection of his wise and loving character. It is given to bless us, not to burden us. When we walk in God’s ways, we experience the wellness, goodness, and joy he desires for us.
Delighting in God’s law does not mean we perfectly obey every time. Our delight may remain imperfect and incomplete in this life. But by God’s grace we can grow in treasuring his word more and more. Even small steps to find joy in obedience please God when done in faith. As we open ourselves to God’s Spirit, he develops willing hearts that find true delight in following Christ. May Psalm 1 be an invitation to discover afresh the blessings of God’s instruction.
How can a believer practically delight in God’s law today? Here are some specific suggestions:
– Read a chapter of the Bible at the start of your day. Ask God to show you how to apply it. Choose one verse to meditate on and delight in throughout the day.
– Pick one command of God that feels difficult or unappealing. Study to better understand the wise reasons behind it. Pray for a willing heart to obey with delight.
– Thank God for a specific law that has blessed you by protecting or guiding you. Verbalize your appreciation for his good commands.
– Share with another believer how a scripture passage has led you to praise God for his laws this week. Let your delight in God’s word encourage others.
– Listen to a sermon or study focused on God’s commands. Soak in the teaching with an aim to increase your awe of God’s laws.
– When facing a decision, search scripture for relevant laws that provide direction. Delight in God’s word as a wise guide for life.
– Identify an area where you struggle to obey God completely. Seek him earnestly and ask him to replace your sinful inclinations with delight in holiness.
– Memorize Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible about delighting in God’s law. Hide these verses in your heart as you meditate on them.
– Set a reminder to pause several times a day to offer God praise and thanks for a specific law or scripture passage.
– Sing or listen to music based on God’s word. Let the lyrics soak into your mind and kindle your affections for Christ.
Above all, it is vital to ask for God’s help through his indwelling Holy Spirit. Apart from him, delighting in God’s law is impossible in our own strength. But by the Spirit, God graciously gives us new desires to treasure his word above all else. He causes our hearts to overflow with joy as we walk in his ways.
Here are key Bible verses about delighting in God’s law:
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2)
“I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.” (Psalm 119:16)
“Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way that I am commanding you today, to go after other gods that you have not known.” (Deuteronomy 11:26-28)
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:2-3)
“I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” (Psalm 119:45)
“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” (Psalm 119:18)
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8)
“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!” (Psalm 119:1)
“I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” (Psalm 40:8)
“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119:97)
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7)
In summary, delighting in God’s law is a foundational characteristic of the blessed life. As we treasure God’s word, meditate on it consistently, obey it from the heart, and pray for deeper delight, we will walk in the true freedom, wisdom, and prosperity God desires for us. By God’s grace, may we say with the psalmist: “Oh how I love your law!”