Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them… The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
How do we begin to delight? We start with the one who made us to delight. In v. 2, we learn that the works of the Lord are numbered as “great.” Are we delighting yet? Scripture goes on to say that only those who study them can delight. Through his works, his character is revealed because they are inseparable. We must study and learn for we cannot delight in someone we do not know.
I have learned some of the greatest lessons in delighting through failure. I have studied the flute for many years and all the efforts in learning this instrument, repertoire, music theory, and endless practicing have allowed me to appreciate its beauty in a unique way. I have also failed many music classes and numbered just as many embarrassing performances. Yet, delighting has never hinged on our success or perfection. Just as my failure does not make me any less of a delighter in the flute, neither does our sin make us lesser delighters in God. Christ has credited to us his righteousness, that we may delight in him and know him more fully. We must accept his gift of delighting in him.
Since we cannot delight in what we do not know, v. ten tells us how we study in order to delight. A knowledge of the works of God establishes a healthy fear. This is the beginning of wisdom, which is not just knowledge, but skillfully applied knowledge. Wisdom understands who he is as holy and who we are as unworthy, yet made worthy by him. When we practice the fear of the Lord we gain better understanding and ability to delight in the works of the Lord.
The question remains then: How do we delight? We practice the fear of the Lord. We study the scriptures. We rehearse in our hearts the works of the Lord revealed in scripture and in our own lives. We establish an active prayer life to communicate with God and reflect upon his works and his character. We accept his gift of delighting in Him.
Father in Heaven, you are the source of all good things and in you are all needs met. Remind us of our neediness that we may come to you and delight in your good works and character. Give us humble hearts that long for you and the richness of your word. Your praise endures forever! Amen
– Brittnee Barlow
Deep Waters: An LCC Devotional 