Sweet Captivation

“In the way of your testimonies I delight
    as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts
    and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes;
    I will not forget your word.

The law of your mouth is better to me
    than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

How sweet are your words to my taste,
    sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:14-16,72,103,105

“The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11

So many things vie for our attention today. Enticements, trinkets, soundbites, opinion experts, influencers. The charms of this world are innumerable, and can be overwhelming, leaving us frenzied with choices, and depleted. But God holds out one greatest delight, one treasure worth more that all riches, one supreme jewel above all. By it we are enlightened, in it we are satisfied, through it we are energized and fortified.

What causes us to resist this sweetest of offerings? What keeps us neglecting a treasure so accessible? The enemy does all he can to prevent us from study, to distract from meditation and cause us to question, yet our Lord’s word stands solid and unchanged, alive and powerful. Which route will we daily take? Where will we fix our attention? We make excuses, we whine, we bemoan clouded purpose and lack of understanding, but fail to act. We must ask God to change our inclination. (Hebrews 4:12)

Who does not need revival of mindset, vitality, and vision? Partake of the word! Where do we not need wisdom for decisions and direction and the appropriate word? Savor the word! What filthy thoughts and attitudes cry for cleansing? Ingest the word! What taxing responsibilities, course of study, or pressure of industry needs refreshment? Feast on the word! What a difference would come from a daily dose of the sweetest dessert!

“That Word above all earthly powers
no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever!” ~Martin Luther (1529)

If we believe these things to be true, yet lack the impetus to make the word our own and apply it to every lack and priority, it is not too late to change our behavior and habits. Begin with bites, schedule time and open the Book, and ask the Lord to give insight and understanding. Trust His Spirit to help, instruct, inspire, and lead, and go forth changed. His word will, a bit at a time, captivate and change the willing heart. (John 14:26)

Father, capture my whole desire and delight with Your sweetest, best Word.