I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches.
Psalm 119:14
TAKING IT IN
“Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” was one of the first television shows to feature the glamorous lives of the wealthy. We caught a glimpse of the opulent residences of those whose bank accounts appeared to be limitless as their homes featured everything money could buy.
The author of Psalm 119 lived a “rich life” as well. Not a lifestyle bought out of the abundance of his wealth, but a “quality” of life that money could not buy. So “valuable” was the Word of God to his way of life, that he rejoiced as if he were the richest man alive!
Charles Spurgeon aptly comments on this joy:
“Observe that his joy was personal, distinct, remembered, and abundant. Wonder not that in the previous verse he glories in having spoken much of that which he had so much enjoyed: a man may well talk of that which is his delight.”
There should be nothing that we can acquire in this world that brings us greater joy than the way of God’s testimonies. If you have a choice between living by God’s Word and acquiring wealth, then live by God’s Word.
MAKING IT MEANINGFUL
We gain great perspective on this verse as we consider our children. Would it bring you greater joy to see your children walk according to God’s commandments than to see them acquire a university degree, or a prestigious job, or a large home? The greatest gift we can give to our children is the legacy of a godly life; the same with our “spiritual” children. In women’s ministry nothing brings me greater joy than to see those whom I have the privilege to disciple and mentor walk in the ways of God. I share the Apostle John’s heart when he wrote in 3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
The joy that we have as believers in the ways of God far surpass the wealth the world offers us. Consider the beautiful testimony in Gill’s commentary:
…The joy that believers have in the ways of God is superior to that which any natural or worldly man has in his substance of every sort, or be it ever so great; yea, they find such riches in the ways of God, as are vastly preferable to the riches of this world; they find Christ, the pearl of great price, and his unsearchable riches, the riches of grace, and the riches of glory; and even the word of God itself, those testimonies of his, are more desirable than thousands of gold and silver, and give a greater pleasure than the increase of corn and wine.
WORKING IT INTO MY HEART
It was Bernard who said:
“Riches are acquired with difficulty, enjoyed with trembling, and lost with bitterness.”
We know that King Solomon was a man who had everything money could buy yet he wrote the beautiful truths of Proverbs 3:13-15. Commit these verses to memory and the next time your bank account runs low, be reminded and encouraged by what the Psalmist has spoken into your life today!
As we study and ponder Psalm 119:14 together this week, I hope you rejoice with me and can proclaim that “You are one rich woman”!
If you can testify to that truth I want you to post it on my Facebook page (Margy Hill) and yours if you have one! Be sure to address Psalm 119:14 and give God all the glory! It will spark the curiosity of women who need to know that they too can be “rich”. Rich in
the things of God!
