Text: Psalm 119:161-168
Key Verse: Your word makes me happy, like someone who has found a great treasure vs 162
There are three occasions that people express much happiness according to the Scriptures. I think it is still true today.
1. The time of harvest– Those who wept as they went out carrying the seed will come back singing for joy, as they bring in the harvest Ps 126:6 GNB.
2. Spoils from battles– You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. Is 9:3 ESV
3. Discovery of hid treasures– “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” Mt 13:44 ESV
The ecstasy when these earthly and temporal things are found knows no bounds. There will be dancing and even partying sometimes to show how much delighted the recipients are. But the Psalmist describes the joy of finding the word (promise) of God as incomparable to these ones.
The Prophet Jeremiah shared the same sentiment, he said, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.” Jer 15:16 ESV.
Why is there so great excitement when the word of God is found? Often, the beginning of God’s works is when He speaks. When the word of God comes or is received, it is God’s commitment to us in that situation. When God speaks about a matter, that is the end of that matter. If God says, “I will help you”, you’d better believe it. Because that is exactly what God will do. And who will not rejoice when such a promise is received over a situation that money or any human expert could not handle? Knowing that God is able, won’t you rejoice?
The Psalmist describes how he would rejoice. “Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.” Ps 119:164. Every remembrance of what God has said will evoke praise and thanksgiving. The heart will continue to be in a state of excitement.
Have you recently experienced the joy of receiving or finding God’s promise? When was the last time you did? May the Word of God come to you about that situation today. Amen
Prayer– Please LORD, send forth your light and truth and let them lead me today and always. Amen.