September 11

My Delight

"Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight." Psalm 119:143

In the midst of trouble and deep anguish, David was able to delight in the commands of the Lord. Abraham Wright wrote, "Indeed the sweetness of God's word is best perceived under the bitterness of the cross." The joy of the Lord and the joy of the world cannot coexist. If we are fixed upon the joys of this earth, we will surely miss out on the joys of the Lord. It is only when we are able to dwell on the Lord and his Word that we are able to look beyond the trouble and see the BIG picture that he has in store for us. When we are distressed and trouble surrounds us, we will find comfort in God's Word and the promises held within it, but we must look for them. When we find them, it will delight our saddened hearts. Behind the darkened cloud there is always a silver lining. God's Word lays out this truth over and over again. Do we believe it? Do we delight in it? Have we allowed it to take hold of us with the same force that the trouble has taken hold of us? If we do, we will delight in his commands and we will sing songs in the night, songs of praise for our Father who will see us through even the darkest night!

Father, thank you for your precious Word that sustains us in our anguish. Help us to never lose the greatest blessing you have given us as believers, that we need never be without joy, despite life's circumstances. Help us to sing in the darkness, praising you for all that you are to us! Amen