I rejoice in following your statutes
Psalm 119:14-16 NIV
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
Statutes, precepts, and decrees. These are terms that are synonymous with laws or rules. And that is often what we consider the Bible to be. While it contains some history, much of it seems to be an endless series of instructions for how we should live our lives—a rule book.
And without a doubt, it does contain instructions for living as a child of God. And it is easy to view these instructions as being restrictive. As keeping me from enjoying all that this world has to offer. Do this and do that. Don’t do this, and don’t do that. We might mostly follow these instructions. But how often do we rejoice in them?
As you read through Psalm 119, you will quickly discover that the psalmist had a different attitude toward God’s word. He viewed it, not as something that limited his enjoyment in life, but as something that enhanced it. He rejoiced in knowing and following God’s word and instruction. It had great value to him. He found that he came to know and understand God better as he spent time in his word. And so, he delighted in God’s word. It was something that, rather than neglect, he invested much time and effort in.
As you spend time with the Bible, learn to view it as the psalmist did, not as a collection of rules that take the joy out of life. But instead, as a means of living a life that is pleasing to God. A way of coming to know God in a more personal and intimate fashion. A way to facilitate a life of joy beyond anything this world might offer. Rather than limit your life, God’s word is given to us to enhance our lives. It is something that we should take great delight in. We should rejoice in God’s word.
