“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.
My soul is consumed with longing
for your rules at all times…
Your testimonies are my delight;
they are my counselors.
The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
“I rejoice at Your word
As one who finds great treasure.
I love Your word.” Psalm 119:14-16,20,24,72,162,163
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1,14
Many things vie for our attention through the frenzy of day and quiet of night. By day competition, trinkets, soundbites, opinions, influencers can overwhelm with their charms. By night, we are pestered by grudges, sadness, plans, memories good and lonely and difficult. We may not profess affection for any of these, but they hold sway over our heart and soul. In contrast, God holds out one greatest delight, one treasure worth more than all riches, all preoccupations. One supreme jewel above all. By it we are enlightened, in it we are nurtured and satisfied, through it we are energized and fortified.
The Word, living and active, pure and eternal, captures the willing. Once we are exposed, if we bring an open and humble mind, we are smitten. The longer we gaze, the deeper the beauties, the more we are changed. Listless nodding becomes fiery longing. Partial attention becomes consuming passion. Where we could not make enough time for it, we can no longer get enough time in it. The will to fix our eyes, delight in the words, and remember the truths becomes the steady way by which we live. (Psalm 19:7-12; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12)
Is this true for me? Turning my soul to delight in the word of God brings life fresh significance, and through its lens we see the world and its offerings in a new light. We cannot know its richness until we make it a priority.
What are the things that captivate me, the experiences I most value? Is my chief end personal pleasure, fulfillment, security, comfort? Or am I consumed with longing for more of the word, more of Christ? How will I act on my passion today?
“Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best thought in the day and the night,
waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
Thou ever with me and I with Thee, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son,
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.” ~Old Irish, translated by Mary Byrne (1927)
Lord, captivate me with Your word and person, that I might learn and love you more.
As the rain and snow 