I thought all day about the word “delight” in Psalm 1. We read this:
Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
I’ve been learning to “delight” in God’s word. When we delight in something, we anticipate great pleasure in our experience with it, as one might delight in spending time with a loved one or eating some delicious dessert. Think of all the things that truly delight our hearts. Now imagine feeling that way about God’s word and longing to read our Bibles day and night like this. Sometimes I feel this way about a good novel or a Netflix series. I cannot wait to get back to it. I might feel this way about a friend I want to see or a special creature.
What a great prayer to ask God to help us delight in His word. We must believe that it will reward us, that it will connect us to Jesus–our True Delight–and train our hearts to enjoy it. I’ve been learning to delight in God’s word to discover more of His character, promises, goodness, and ultimate control. I’ve been learning to delight in His presence and care for me. I’ve been learning to delight in how the Holy Spirit can use the “living and active” word in my heart (Hebrews 4:12). When I approach it with that attitude and expectation, my delight grows.