Day 24: Delighting in the Law

Opening Scripture

Psalm 1:1–3 (NIV)

1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

Devotional Reflection

One of the spiritual practices God directs us to keep is what we call church—the gathering of believers for the purpose of celebrating, worshiping, teaching, correcting, and rebuking one another for mutual accountability. Yet as we read this passage, we see that corporate worship alone is not enough to fully form us in devotion.

The psalmist teaches that we are not to walk, stand, or sit with those who are not actively and intentionally following God. The verbs walk, stand, and sit represent our daily routines. In other words, while we are called to love sinners just as Jesus did, we are not meant to live lives embedded in patterns shaped by unbelief. Our daily rhythms should be formed in the company of those who seek the Lord.

Yet even avoiding the wrong influences and surrounding ourselves with the right people is not enough. We must learn to delight in the law of the Lord.

Delighting in God’s law—His ways of living—requires that we first practice obedience. It is through obedience that we begin to see evidence that His ways are good. Often, we commit to obey because we understand there are consequences if we do not. But as we continue in obedience, we also experience the blessing and benefit that follow.

Obedience, however, is not easy when life becomes difficult. In seasons of discouragement or temptation, the enemy works effectively to pull us away from the Lord and His ways. This is why meditation on God’s law day and night becomes essential—it anchors us when temptation presses in.

To meditate is to move the truths of God repeatedly through the mind, allowing His wisdom to dwell there as we contemplate meaning, application, and promise. Reading Scripture is good, but taking time to consider its implications is of even greater value.

Knowing that God is Lord of all is a beautiful truth. Knowing Him also as the Good Shepherd who leads us beside quiet waters deepens that truth. When we meditate on the baptism of Christ, we see God revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As we reflect on each person of the Trinity and their role, our understanding of God grows richer and more personal.

Meditation is more than learning a concept. It is allowing truth to settle so deeply within us that it shapes our spirit and transforms our lives. Many obey God’s commands without ever reflecting on why obedience was once difficult, what enabled obedience this time, or how God worked through that obedience—not only in their own lives, but in the lives of others.

When we meditate, we immerse ourselves in the Spirit of God, who draws us into deeper devotion and steadier faith.

The Examen

1. What voices, habits, or routines most influence my daily walk, and how are they shaping my delight in God’s Word?

2. Where is God inviting me to move beyond reading Scripture into slowing down and meditating on His truth?

Lectio Divina Scripture

Joshua 1:8 (NIV)

8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Read the passage slowly, out loud, several times. With each reading, emphasize a different word or phrase. Notice what stands out and why.

Prayer Prompt

Lord, teach me to delight in Your Word. Help me not only to read it, but to meditate on it until it shapes my thoughts, strengthens my obedience, and anchors my life in You. Amen.