God’s Law as a Delight
Psalm 119:92
“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my afflictions.”
This verse stuck out to me this morning, and every part of my being whole-heartedly agrees with that, and knows that this is true, especially as I transition into a new school. But, practically – what does that mean? How do you take delight in the law of God?
Well first I should probably know what the law of God is. Is it the 500+ laws in the Old Testament? Maybe. But I don’t take delight in ceremonial instructions on making a sacrifice or abstaining from eating certain types of foods – so the “law of God” must also mean something else.
Anyway, I don’t really have a good answer right now, but let’s just say that I take the law of God as every principle established for living this life according to God’s way. The “law” also probably really could be all of God’s Word as revealed in the Bible – in fact – I think it is. A big part of it also is HOPE in God; hope in what Jesus has done; hope in who God is; hope in the supremacy that Jesus has in all things. So practically, I really would “perish in my afflictions” if I were to sink into the temptation of self-pity, something that definitely is not in line with Scripture. Going through the school day in that manner does nothing positive for me.
I would also perish under my affliction if I were to despair, worry, or question why I am here. To doubt the sovereign purposes of God in placing me here now; to think that I’ve made the wrong decision to stay here would be a serious mistake. God, who knows, orchestrates, and cares for even the death of a sparrow certainly knows exactly what He is doing by moving me to Georgia. I don’t see why I could have just stayed in Illinois quite honestly – but obviously there must be something better here for me (I don’t know what it is though).
I am absolutely amazed at the faithfulnes of God to me. It is amazing how God will work through a person, to slowly change his thinking, desires, and priorities. It is amazing at how, over the course of a few months, a heart can be set free from holding on to a comfortable, fulfilling life, and directed fully towards a new God-led direction. I’m not saying it’s easy, nor am I saying I like it, but I come to see this as I sit back and look at things from a broad perspective.
Third Day, in “Mountain of God” has these words to say:
Even though the journey’s long
And I know the road is hard
Well, the One who’s gone before me
He will help me carry on
After all that I’ve been through
Now I realize the truth
That I must go through the valley
To stand upon the mountain of God �
