Delighting in the Word

Psalm 1:1–2 (ESV)"Blessed is the manwho walks not in the counsel of the wicked,nor stands in the way of sinners,nor sits in the seat of scoffers;but his delight is in the law of the LORD,and on his law he meditates day and night."

Jonathan Worked In A Busy Corporate Office

Years ago, a young man named Jonathan worked in a busy corporate office. He loved Jesus, but the environment around him was filled with gossip, compromise, and constant pressure to fit in. Lunch breaks often became moments where coworkers mocked faith, belittled integrity, and celebrated cutting corners. Jonathan began sitting with them just to “blend in,” but over time he noticed a shift—less hunger for Scripture, more tolerance for sin, and a growing dryness in his soul.

One afternoon, an older believer in the company invited him to join a short devotional during lunch. Reluctantly, Jonathan agreed. They simply read Psalm 1 together. The passage pierced his heart. He realized that blessing came not from proximity to the world but from proximity to the Word. Jonathan made a decision—every morning, before work, he would spend 20 minutes in Scripture and prayer. Slowly, joy returned. Strength grew. His coworkers noticed his peace, and some even began asking questions about his faith. The Word he once neglected became his delight.

Key Hebrew Words

Understanding a few original terms deepens the meaning:

1. Blessed – אֶשֶׁר (’esher):More than happiness; a state of deep spiritual well-being, God-approved joy, flourishing of life.

2. Counsel – עֵצָה (’etsah):Advice, worldview, influence. Not just speech, but a way of thinking.

3. Delight – חֵפֶץ (chephets):Pleasure, longing, strong desire. Not duty-driven reading, but joyful pursuit.

4. Law – תּוֹרָה (Torah):Instruction, teaching, God’s revealed will—not merely rules, but life-giving guidance.

5. Meditate – הָגָה (hagah):To mutter, rehearse, ponder deeply. Scripture is not skimmed—it is chewed like food for the soul.

Quote

"Sin will keep you from the Bible, or the Bible will keep you from sin."— D. L. Moody

Action Steps for Today

1. Choose Your Company Wisely: Assess influences in your life. Distance yourself from voices that dull your hunger for God.

2. Establish a Rhythm of Meditation: Set aside morning and evening time to read and reflect—five minutes is a start.

3. Personalize the Word: Write down one verse to carry with you today. Repeat it, pray through it, and let it guide decisions.

4. Replace Instead of Remove: When stepping away from unhealthy environments or conversations, fill that space with godly fellowship, Scripture, worship, or prayer.

Reflection Questions

1. What voices or environments influence me most—do they draw me to Christ or away from Him?

2. Do I approach Scripture out of duty or delight? What would help me treasure it more?

3. What practical step can I take today to meditate on God’s Word "day and night"?

Prayer

Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word, which leads me to life, joy, and blessing. Help me to walk in wisdom and not be shaped by the thinking of this world. Plant my heart deep in Your truth. Teach me to delight in Your Word and meditate on it daily. Strengthen me to pursue righteousness, to resist ungodly influence, and to live as one who is blessed by You. Let my life bear fruit that glorifies Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.