Delight in the word of God
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalm 1:1-3 How many times we thought that we have the strength to overcome sin in our life only to discover that we can’t? It is possible to spend our life knowing the truths of God found in His word yet not experience His working within. When this happens it shows that God’s word has no power or could not influence our actions. It was promised form His word when we properly apply God’s word in our life it will do its intended purpose. “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires” (Hebrews 4:12). Our text provides a warning that there is a subtle, almost invisible, quality about sin that draws its victims into a deeper and deeper involvement. The use of the Psalmist verbs such as “follow,” “stand,” and “join” and the nouns “wicked,” “sinners,” and “mockers” are all hints at this rebellious build-up of influence that can pull us away from following God. Once we allow sin to get a start in our life, it will begin us to get dragged in its current and eventually we will find ourselves joining in “with mockers.” At this point, we will find ourselves hardened and finding it difficult to respond to God’s prodding. To resist this subtle escalation of sin, the godly man must make deliberate actions of making oneself morally steadied by not listening to the advice of the ungodly (v. 1). Instead, they are spiritually oriented because they find delight meditating in God’s word (v. 2). Such deliberate actions will be fruitful and productive (v. 3). We should not be contented on having surface knowledge of the Scripture. Standing firm on Biblical convictions and principles will happen when our life reflects the influence of God’s word. Once we grow listening to God’s word and applying them in our life, we will no longer have the appetite to listen to godless advice. When you are in love with the Lord, you will delight in His word.
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com