THY TESTIMONIES ARE MY DELIGHT

It is generally recognized that Psalm 1 is an introduction to the whole of the Psalter, and it is fitting that we should commence here in our consideration of the place that the Word of God finds in the psalms. Immediately God shows us the sharp division between the “blessed (happy) man” and the “ungodly”, and in verse 2 He indicates the vital place that His Word has in maintaining this distinction. It is a God-made distinction. But clearly the regard that the blessed man has for God’s Word is not a mere formality. Here is a man who “delights” in it. Reading it is not a drudge but a delight—he revels in it. In Psalm 19. 8, David gives voice to a similar sentiment, “The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart” and the unnamed writer of Psalm 119. Ill could say, “Thy testimonies … are the rejoicing of my heart”.

Surely in this day of a completed revelation, when we have learned from it something of God’s ways in grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, and when we have learnt that through this work of grace the Author of Scripture has become our Father, then our reading of His Word and our meditation upon it should cause our hearts to rejoice. As we read it, “The Spirit breathes upon the Word and brings the truth to light”. Being taught of the Spirit, we can experience “delight” as God opens His treasures, and whether the word is a word of comfort or a word of rebuke, we may know rejoicing of the heart. Whether we read of blessing or judgment, we can rest in the fact that a loving God (our Father) will make no mistakes. As we apply to our own pathway the truths that we read, we shall be able to say in the words of Psalm 119. 14, “I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches”.

Our great Example in this, as in all other matters, is our Saviour. In Luke 10, 21, we find Him rejoicing that God has revealed Himself “unto babes”. This is just what He does as we turn to His Word. Although we are “babes”, He reveals Himself to us, and our hearts delight in this, as we find ourselves rejoicing in the Lord.