“I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.”
Psalms 119:16
There are moments when we don’t feel like engaging in the Word of God. However, these moments are reminders to seek Him even more earnestly. If we don’t, we risk losing our connection with Him. We cannot be satisfied with substituting the study of God’s word with sermons, podcasts, engaging on social media, or attending cell groups. Delighting in the word entails finding joy in studying the word, meditating on it, and living by it. Let’s unpack why it is important for us to genuinely desire to study and immerse ourselves in God’s word.
IT REVEALS GOD
God reveals Himself through His Word (John 1:1). The Bible is where we encounter God most distinctly with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. It is crucial for us to have the Word of God not only to perceive Him within the Scriptures but also in our current reality.
IT GIVES LIFE
We are born again through the imperishable Word of God (1 Pet 1:23-25), which sustains our lives, as Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4). The Word of God is the source of abundant life, making it the ultimate key to a fulfilling existence.
IT IS LIBERATING
Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). The truth of God’s Word sets us free from sin, condemnation, and death through the blood and righteousness of Christ. This freedom allows us to experience true satisfaction that surpasses anything that the world can offer. As a result, our lives become aligned with His will and obeying His word no longer feels like a burden or duty, but rather a joyful experience.
THE SOURCE OF WISDOM AND DIRECTION
Paul says in Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.” The Word of God gives us wisdom and direction, it serves as our compass, directing us on the path we should follow (Ps 119:105).
HELPS US GROW SPIRITUALLY
We must earnestly desire the undiluted word of God in order to grow, just like newborn babies crave milk for their nourishment and growth (1 Pet 2:2-3). It is our spiritual food. While sermons and worship nights are good, they are not sufficient for our spiritual growth. Spiritual growth can only be achieved by internalizing the word of God in us.
WEAPON FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE
The key to defeating the devil lies in the Word of God (1 John 2:14). This is best modelled by Jesus in the wilderness when he countered every temptation with the scripture. If Jesus relied on the Word to resist the devil’s temptations, we should do the same. When faced with the forces of darkness, use the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (Eph 6:17).
IT PLEASES OUR SOULS
The word of God serves as nourishment, bringing joy to our souls. Those that delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night are like a tree planted by streams of water that produces fruit in due season, and never withers (Ps 1:2-3). The Word of God is sweeter than honey, and its richness is like the most exquisite meal. The joy derived from the living word of God is unparalleled.
In conclusion, we delight in God’s word by studying it regularly, meditating on it and living by it. It saturates our hearts to such an extent that forgetting it becomes impossible. It is hidden in our hearts, that we may not sin against God (Ps 119:11). It brings immeasurable joy and holds greater worth than any earthly possession. Ask God to ignite an unwavering desire for His word.
Further study: Psalm 19 and 119
Sign up to be notified every time there is a new post!