Psalm 112:1 Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands.
The Lord delights in those who delight in His Word. Happy are those who follow his commands, who obey him with all their heart (Psalm 119:2). Those who take God’s Word seriously and follow His commandments meticulously delight the heart of God. There are those who find excuses to miss the mark by saying, ‘God understands’ or ‘I’m only human’. These are people who care more to cater to their fleshly needs rather than to carefully follow God’s instructions. ‘Partial obedience is still disobedience’. Blessings automatically gush towards those who love God and delight in His Word.
Jesus noticed a man who took time to read, ruminate and recollect God’s Word. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” (John 1:48). The eyes of the Lord fell on Nathaniel who was sitting under the fig tree. Jews congregated around street corners and under shady trees to discuss the Torah. They read, discussed and digested the Word. Nathaniel who eagerly sat under the fig tree congregation was noticed by the Lord. The Lord takes note of how eagerly we ingest and digest His Word.
The Lord takes note of how engaged we are in fulfilling His commandments. King Saul’s partial obedience stole his kingdom, power and most importantly God’s favour away from Him. On the contrary, David was God’s delight. For David did what was right in the LORD’s eyes, and he did not turn aside from anything He had commanded him all the days of his life (1 King 15:5). Whole heartedly following truth, justice and the commandments of the Lord delights the heart of God.
Delight the heart of God:
1. Near: Loving God’s Word and following God’s commandments even in small and petty things delight the heart of God. Those who are focused on the earthly and worry about their food, finance and fortune will move away from God. Honesty in tithing and paying taxes will draw us closer to the heart of God. Following the Word of God will inundate us with earthly blessings that we need. “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:8). God’s Word draws us close to His heart.
2. Notice: God’s eyes will notice those who are reverently following His Word. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9). Every time we read and devour His Word eagerly, we will be noticed by heaven. Those who love God’s Word catch the attention of God’s eye.
3. Naive: Eagerly reading His Word transforms the naïve wise. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple (Psalm 19:7). The Word of God made the simple and ignorant fishermen and tradesmen wise and eloquent in speech. Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” (Acts 2:12).
God delights in a truthful, honest and sincere heart.
Psalm 147:11 The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Prayer: Father God, I love your Word as they bring life, peace and joy into my troubled heart. Amen.
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