Studying was not easy for me in my elementary and High School years. I was full of energy, extremely active and I always wanted to be outside riding horses and motorcycles or building forts or hunting. Studying meant sitting still, memorizing and discipline. Studying also meant doing something someone else had directed me to do. The battles raged – my teachers’ and parents’ will vs. my will. Studying became fun only after I began taking delight in certain subjects. The Psalmist declares:

Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. ²Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. ³ Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. ⁴He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful. ⁵He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. Psalm 111:1-5

People who delight in the great works of the Lord study them.  The Psalmist says, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart.” We think of studying as a brain activity, but the word and work of God is far more than an academic exercise, it is heart and soul exercise.  Delight in the word and work of God means that de-light has come on. Our hearts and our minds begin comprehending that his wondrous works and words are “for me.” Our hearts and souls respond to the call of the word of God.

God works in our hearts and lives to bring an Epiphany to us – by ordinary circumstances God works to turn the lights on, to bring delight into our every day, every moment circumstances because of the work of his Son for us. We come to a deeper faith and trust by his work; we rely on his promise to cause his wondrous works to be remembered; he provides his life as food for our hearts and souls.

Our New Year’s resolutions may have included a promise to study more, to memorize more, or to read more of God’s word. By his power and work in us he will bring it, otherwise it just turns into one more broken resolution. We may need more discipline, but more than likely we need delight. We are called to beg Christ for a deep desire for delight in his word and work.

The light shines in our darkness and our darkness cannot overcome it. We are called to rejoice with Isaiah: “Arise, shine for de-light has come.” The Light brings delight. May God grant us courage to cling to his promise of light, life and eternal life. May God grant us boldness to declare the light in this world with great delight. May God’s peace guard our hearts and bring us freedom to live in delight. Blessings IN Christ, Cindy

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