warm-up

What is something that takes a long time, but you enjoy doing anyway? Why do you like it?

What was your favorite subject in school? Why did you love it?

Describe the rules of your favorite sport or game. What happens if they are not followed?

word

1Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3

(Read Psalm 119:1-3.)

In Psalm 1, King David describes what it looks like for a person whose delight is in the law of the Lord. He walks not in the counsel of the wicked, and he does not stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of scoffers. However, delighting in God’s Word is just the start of our devotion. In this lesson, we will look at what devotion means: delighting in, meditating on, and walking according to His Word.

1
Delight in His Word.

. . . but his delight is in the law of the Lord . . . Psalm 1:2

King David did not think that reading or hearing God’s Word was boring, or frustrating, or something that limited him or took away his joy. Instead, this man after God’s own heart called it a delight (1 Samuel 13:14). This is not because David was perfect or because he did not sin. For him, hearing, knowing, learning from, and understanding the Word of God was a delight because David loved God and had a deep personal relationship with Him. What do you delight in? How have you learned to delight in God’s Word?

2
Meditate on His Word.

2. . . and on his law he meditates day and night. 3He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:2,3

A life of devotion to God’s Word begins with delight. Delight in the Word of God leads to a desire to know and understand more of it. David describes a man who meditates day and night on the Word. He is like a tree planted by a continuous source of growth and health. Meditation involves studying God’s Word, with a heart open to receive His will. What do you delight in? How have you learned to delight and meditate on God’s Word? How do you normally meditate on God’s Word?

3
Walk according to His Word.

2Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, 3who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! Psalm 119:2,3

Devotion is not complete without action. Without action, delight and meditation would just be mental exercises. When we delight in His Word and meditate on it, when we seek Him with our whole hearts, our natural response is obedience to His Word. Our devotion is made complete as we walk in His ways. How does the Word of God convict and challenge you? Recall a specific instance explaining this.

application

Do you delight in God’s Word? How can you grow in your relationship with God, starting today? What’s one thing you will do differently to devote yourself to Him and His Word?

Do you read and meditate on God’s Word every day? Do you have a time, place, and even a Bible-reading plan for it? How can you guard your time to do this every day, starting this week?

What’s one thing you need to do so you will walk according to God’s Word and ways? How will your life reflect the truth of His Word among your family and friends this week?

prayer

Thank God for giving us His Word. Pray that you will be devoted to it, delight in it, meditate on it, and walk in it every day.

Ask God for insight and understanding as you meditate on His Word day and night. Pray that you will be like a tree planted by streams of water, nourished and refreshed by the Word.

Pray that as you seek the Lord with your whole heart and meditate on His Word, you will be faithful to walk in His ways. Pray that your life will be a reflection of the gospel.

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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®)
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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