LEARNING TO DELIGHT IN THE WORD OF GOD
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law, he meditates day and night.
Psalm 1:2 (NKJV)
One of the things that must shift in our discipleship is approaching His word with delight instead of as a duty! The psalmist says that the word of God is like honey to our lips. I don’t know anyone who approaches chocolate cake like it’s a duty. They approach it with delight. This should be how we approach the word of God.
The other day, I was tired and supposed to spend the day with my kids, but I just wanted to lay around and do what I wanted. As I started, I got frustrated because I couldn’t do what I wanted, which is selfish, I know. I asked God to help me focus on Him and make my focus just being with kids and nothing else. I was surprised when it was one of the best days I’ve ever had. Why? I believe this because I had the right attitude and spirit! We always talk about showing up, but how we show up matters.
If we approach the word of God as though it’s a duty, then we won’t have the right attitude, and we’ll end up missing so many of the blessings of God! So, each morning, ask God to help you show up with the right attitude and spirit. When you spend time with God, remind yourself that you’re meeting with the God of the universe, and the most powerful being in the world delights to meet with you! How do we cultivate this delight? It starts with a desire to know God more intimately. When we begin to see God's word not as a task but as a treasure, our hearts will be drawn toward it.
The other part is understanding that every part of God’s word is full of life and wisdom. When I read the Bible, I don’t read it as a history book. I read it as a living book full of life and joy. There is life that transforms us and draws us into deeper life on every page and in every sentence. This will shift the way you approach God. Ask God to give you fresh eyes to see His word with joy and delight. His word is good and capable of changing your attitude, perspective and life!
APPLICATION: An attitude of gratitude will change the way you see God and others
PRAYER: Spend time reading Psalm 1 and ask the Spirit of God to stir your heart towards His words. As you read, thank God for what He reveals or what sticks out to you! Thank Him for His goodness and that He delights in speaking to you!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?