The word 'delight' here is pronounced 'shaw-ah' in Hebrew, which can mean 'amuse (oneself) in'. 'To amuse (oneself) in' means 'to keep oneself occupied in a pleasant manner, usually by doing something enjoyable'.
Let's study a little about Psalm 119 now. The whole theme of this psalm is about the excellencies of the Word of God. It is also the longest psalm (and chapter) in the entire Bible, and is literally placed at the central of the whole Bible. It has 22 parts (stanza), from Aleph to Tav (i.e. all the 22 Hebrew alphabets). This is a 'picture' of the Word of God from the beginning till the end, yet it is one Book. If there's any chapter in the Bible that sums up (or summarizes) the whole Bible (i.e. the Word of God), it has to be Psalm 119!
Here are some of the highlights in Psalm 119:
(a) The Word of God is the word of truth that sets you free (see Psalm 119:45)
(b) The Word of God comforts you in times of affliction and gives you life (see Psalm 119:50)
(c) The Word of God brings hope in times of your need (see Psalm 119:81)
(d) The Word of God saves and rescues you from all troubles (see Psalm 119:94)
(e) The Word of God brings you to deeper understanding and spiritual maturity (see Psalm 119:99)
(f) The Word of God brings sweetness and joy to your life (see Psalm 119:103)
(g) The Word of God is your guide and direction in life (see Psalm 119:105)
(h) The Word of God is your shield and your hiding place (see Psalm 119:114)
(i) The Word of God brings light to your life (see Psalm 119:130)
(j) The Word of God gives you peace in life (see Psalm 119:165)
Note: Whether it is mentioned as the statutes, the commandments, the law, the precepts, or the ordinances in this psalm, for a believer in the New Covenant, all these speak about the same thing - the Word of God.
To read and to experience the Word of God is like having a fellowship face to face with the Person of Jesus Himself. Why not see it this way - that every time you open the Bible, you are having a divine appointment with Jesus! Watch Him show up strong and real as you read the Word! And that's what makes reading the Word of God so alive and exciting! So, go ahead, look for Him and enjoy Him every time you open the Bible! In fact, He is in every page of the Bible. May the Lord open your eyes to see. He is in the Old Testament concealed, and in the New Testament revealed. Involve also the Holy Spirit, who'll always lead you into all truth and into deeper understanding of the Word. Praise God!
Psalm 119 also speaks of you being established in the Word of God (see Psalm 119:38). Allow Him to plant in you a deeper understanding (even things that 'eye has not seen, nor ear heard') by meditating on His Word and immersing yourself in His Word. When you have Him, you have everything (i.e. every good thing flowing in your life). The key is to find room for Him every day, no matter how busy you are in the midst of this fast-paced world! Let us not be like those days in Bethlehem, that even when the Word has already come, yet no one has room for Him to lodge! (see Luke 2:7)
People of God, all of men's ways (and methods) may fail, but His Word will not fail you. Never mind if you have gone astray before (just like the psalmist who wrote about himself in Psalm 119:176). It's never too late yet to start again. His grace is more than enough for you, and He is here to help you. There's a call to return to His Word today, and as you respond and begin to delight yourself in Him and His Word again, know that it is also the beginning of many more good things to come in your life, and for the year ahead. Amen!
