Pastor John D Jakes

Psalms 1:1-2 ​1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the  path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.

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The verses I am thinking about this week are Psalm 1:1-2. I am specifically thinking about verse 2: “his delight is in the law of the Lord…” This verse makes me ask: what does that delight look like? I see in Psalm 119 (the Psalm all about the Word of God) the psalmist use words like delight, treasure and meditate all over the place. He isn’t quiet about this delighting in the Word of God that we see in Psalm 1. The Psalmist demands it.

Psalm 1 also demands it. As we look at the psalm, we see a simple and clear difference between the one who delights in God’s Word and the wicked. The wicked are like chaff. The one who delights in the Word is like a mighty tree. The wicked face God’s discipline. The one who delights in the Word receives God’s blessing. This is pretty clear stuff.

So then, what does it look like to delight in the Word of God?

1. We read and think on the Word of God deeply enough for it to move us. The things we truly delight in are things that move us. They make us happy. They make us cry. The thing they don’t do is make us say, “Meh…” We should think deeply enough that it moves our affections and passions.
2. We seek to understand and not just fill a quota. People talk about having a daily quiet time. That is great. However, if our devotional time is just something to check off our to do list, then we are not delighting in the Word. When I read, I want to understand the Word. I want to know what it has to do with me. I don’t want to ever just take it for granted.
3. We always seek to apply God’s Word to our life. Yes, there are a few places in Scripture (genealogies, for example) where direct application will be more in the area of appreciation, but the Scripture has been given to teach, correct, rebuke and train us in righteousness. It wasn’t given to merely appreciate. It was given to change, challenge, comfort, and correct. Those who delight in God’s Word aren’t satisfied with simply reading it. They want to do it.

If this is what it looks like to delight in His Word, then how do we do it?

1. Never read passively. When our brains and hearts are engaged, the Word’s truths naturally move us. We don’t have to manufacture feelings. A life intentionally given to understand God’s Word will be moved.
2. Come to your personal time with God as worship, not just reading. Whether it is singing, praying, or thinking deeply – worship God as you spend personal time with Him. Read His Word with that same intensity.
3. Fight lethargy and sporadic affection with the same intensity as you would in any relationship you value. Don’t be surprised by times of dryness, be ready for them with renewed fervency and time chasing after Jesus.
4. After you understand the Word ask this question, “How can I live this out in my life today?”

It is easy to forget that loving God in Christ is all about getting to know more of Him. We like the emotional side of worship as we sing and pour our hearts out to Him. Yet, letting Him speak is just as important. His clearest speech comes through His Word. Let’s listen to Him with rapt attention!

Something to think about,

Pastor John