Cultivating a Delight

Posted on January 12, 2024 by Elizabeth Welte in Victory Call

Many years ago, I was in a women’s Bible study with my friend, mentor, and instructor Joann. She was sharing about a woman friend of hers that was in her 80’s that she had recently visited in a nursing home. This dear woman’s health was failing and she wasn’t able to do much, but Joann shared how she delighted in reading and having the Psalms read to her. They brought her such peace and comfort. It was Joann’s next statement that I never forgot. She said, “My friend did not develop her delight in the Psalms in her 80’s, she started cultivating that comfort in her much younger years so that now in her 80’s they are her delight.” I remember making a mental post-it note, “cultivate a delight in Psalms early.” Well, not much happened for about 15 years. In 2003, during a year of preparation to do a retreat on “Intimacy with God: Delighting in our Heavenly Husband” I immersed myself in the Psalms. That entire weekend retreat was taught out of Psalms except for 2 verses.

 

Just recently I was back reading through the book of Psalms and was reminded once again the depth of meaning, truth, and relationship nestled within. So, I am going to meander through the Psalms.

 

Psalm 119 is one of my favorite Psalms. Let me just share a few excerpts from the longest Psalm with some verses.

 

• “I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches.”(119:14)
• “Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.” (119:24)
• “Behold, I long for Your precepts; revive me in Your righteousness.” (119:40)
• “And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love.” (119:47)
• “Remember the word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.” (119:49-50)
• “Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for Your law is my delight.” (119:77)
• “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (119:97)
• “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (119:103)
• “Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart.” (119:111)
• “Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, yes, than fine gold!” (119:127)
• “Consider how I love Your precepts; revive me, O LORD, according to Your lovingkindness.”(119:159)
• “I rejoice at Your word as on who finds great treasure.” (119:162)
• “My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly.” (119:167)

 

Let us join the Psalmist in delighting in God and His word.

 

Diane

 

(Originally Posted: 08/04/2019)

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.

 

Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.

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This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9