The Secret To Being A Person After God's Own Heart
David was considered by God as a man "after God's own heart." He definitely wasn't perfect and struggled with sin, family problems, fear from his enemies, and dishonest friends. However, there was a secret to David becoming as close to God as he was. That secret was found in His love for God's Word, and he writes this chapter dedicated to it.
Since this is the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses that speak primarily to the value and benefits of reading and studying God's Word, we'll only focus on this chapter today. In nearly every verse, it references God's Word (the Bible), and the incredible benefit it brings to those who study it.
As we begin reading the chapter, you'll see David references God's Word in different terms. Notice below how he calls God's Word...
VARIOUS NAMES ASSOCIATED WITH GOD'S WORD:
- The instructions of the Lord - vs. 1
- His laws - vs. 2
- His paths - vs. 3
- Your commandments - vs. 4
- Your decrees - vs. 5
- Your commands - vs. 6
- Your righteous regulations - vs. 7
- Your word - vs. 9
- Your word of truth - vs.43
I think you see where I'm going with this. Again nearly every verse in chapter 119 is about the benefits of studying God's Word.
But, before we get into the "benefits", let's start by noticing a few principles about God's Word and exactly how our attitude should be towards this Holy Book:
HOW OUR ATTITUDE SHOULD BE TOWARD GOD'S WORD:
- We are commanded to read His Word and follow it - vs.4
- Our lives should reflect the principles taught in God's Word - vs.5
(You may be the ONLY Bible your lost friends will ever read. Is it consistent with God's Word?)
- We should rejoice in God's Word as much a gaining wealth - vs.14, 72, 111, 127, 162
- We MUST study God's Word if we ever want to reflect His ways - vs. 15
- We're to delight in God's Word and never forget it - vs. 16
- We're to meditate on it - vs.23
- We're to put God's Word into practice with ALL our heart - vs.34
- We're to love, honor, and meditate on God's Word - vs.48, 97
- His commands are trustworthy - vs.86
- His word is eternal and good for every generation of people - vs. 89, 91
- His words should be sweet as honey to our minds and hearts - vs.103
So, as we read through the chapter, what exactly are the benefits of reading and studying God's Word? Since there's so many, I'll only name a few.
Let's begin with verse 1 and just start following the various benefits David has found in studying God's Word...
THE BENEFITS IN STUDYING GOD'S WORD:
- Joyful are the people who follow its instructions! vs/ 1
- People who follow it don't compromise with evil! vs. 2
- We will live like we should - vs. 7
- It will keep us from leading a sinful life - vs. 9-10
- It gives us great insight and wisdom - vs. 24
- It brings happiness - vs. 35
- It turns my eyes from worthless things - vs. 37
- It helps me to abandon shameful ways - vs. 39
- It comforts us in troubled times - vs.50-52
- It gives us good judgment and knowledge - vs.66, 98 - 100
- It's a lamp to guide us through the paths of life - vs.105, 133
- It's a source of hope - vs.114, 140
- It offers great peace - vs.165
My grandfather bought me a new Bible one day after he noticed how worn out mine had become. Within the inside cover he wrote, "The book will keep you from sin, and sin will keep you from this book." He was so right!
David also lists a few of the tragedies of NOT studying God's Word.
THE TRAGEDY OF DOWN-PLAYING THE VALUE OF GOD'S WORD:
- Those who wander from it are cursed - vs. 21
- You are only lying to yourself about how to live life - vs.29, 118
- You'll be dragged into sin if not anchored in God's Word - vs.61, 67
- These people are rejected of the Lord - vs.118
Conclusion:
If you're NOT reading and studying God's Word on a regular basis, then maybe you might want to offer this prayer David gave in vs. 73, "You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands."
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