A Heart Delighted by Scripture
The performance aspect of majoring in music came naturally to me. Practicing, rehearsing, memorizing, and performing songs—loved it. Yet I wasn’t nearly as excited about my non‑performance classes which I only wanted to complete and pass
However, I thoroughly enjoyed music history. Which, quite frankly, surprised me because I didn’t expect to, but I did. And by the end of two semesters, I not only appreciated the subject but found myself genuinely delighted by it.
The writer of Psalm 119 experienced a similar kind of delight, not from the study of music, but from the study of God’s Word. His appreciation for God’s instructions grew into a deeper reverence for them. His discipline to study the Scriptures birthed a desire to understand them more fully. Over time, he discovered that God’s Word had become the one true delight of his heart.
The Heart of the Psalmist
To be honest, reading Psalm 119 feels like peering into someone’s journal. Why? Because the psalmist is unashamedly transparent in describing his love, passion, and commitment to God’s Word.
He refers to it personally as his counselor guiding, protecting, and comforting him. Because of his intimate relationship with Scripture, he is fully committed to following it. For the psalmist, God’s Word was more than instructional or informational. In truth, it was his life‑breath—what sustained him; the one thing he desired most. It was the source of his peace, joy, and hope. But most notably, it was the sole object of his heart’s delight.
And isn’t this what we want too—to have the same delighted heart posture toward God’s Word that the psalmist had? It certainly sounds good. But the question we must consider is how.
How does this happen? The truth is it doesn’t happen instantaneously.
Cultivating a Heart of Delight
Instead cultivating a heart of delight begins with a choice. And over time, that choice, through practice, commitment, consistency and discipline results in something beautiful: delight!
So yes, time is required. Yet it is time well spent, transforming our study of Scripture from decision to discipline to delight.
This is critical to understand, because a lack of joy for God’s Word is often rooted in a misaligned heart and distorted view of Scripture. But when we choose to see it for what it truly is—the revelation of God’s truth, heart and love for us—our perception changes. It is then that Scripture becomes for us what it was for the psalmist, a source of joy, strength, and authentic delight.
Where to Begin
Cultivating anything—a garden, a friendship, or a skill—is a slow, intentional process that requires patience and perseverance. And the same is true of cultivating a heart that delights in God’s Word. Yet this kind of heart posture doesn’t grow on its own. It grows as we abide in Christ, trusting Him to do in and through us, what we cannot do ourselves.
To be clear, apart from Him, we cannot cultivate this kind of heart. But the good news is that through Christ, we can have the same heart the psalmist had, a heart that delights in God’s Word.
So, let’s commit to cultivating this kind of heart. Let’s move from simply knowing about God’s Word to truly loving it — even delighting in it. As we do, our relationship with God will grow stronger and deeper, blessing us personally and equipping us to be a blessing to others.
Pray
Father God, I am so grateful for Your Holy Word, revealing Your heart, Your love, and Your truth. Cultivate in me a heart like that of the psalmist — one that truly delights in and loves Your Word. Empower me to understand it more fully, obey it wholeheartedly, follow it faithfully, live it unashamedly, and share it confidently.
In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
Reflect
Where in your life is God inviting you to move from simply knowing His Word to truly delighting in it?
Friends, I’d love to hear your experience! Feel free to share your responses in the comment section below, or with me and others HERE!