“God’s Testimonies as a Basis of Joy”

Psalm 119:14  I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches.

In this verse the Psalmist rejoices in the study and practice of the Word of God.  Looking around him he observed that riches were the main elements in human joy, and that men considered themselves happy in proportion to their wealth.  But his conclusion is that all riches could afford him no greater joy than that which he had in the Word of God.  He rejoiced in the way of God’s testimonies.  That way is indeed “the way of holiness,” as that will naturally occur as one rejoices in the testimonies of the LORD God.

What is the way of God’s testimonies?

Basically, it is truth, which is good for his understanding (Proverbs 24:13-14).  When any capacity is filled with that which is suitable to it, joy and satisfaction will naturally arise.  While our minds can become disordered by the error and perplexity of this life, it will find satisfaction with the truth.  The so-called truths of philosophy and science to one generation are often errors to another, and the mind is often bewildered by the dogmatism of its teachers.  Only the truth of God is immutable, and subject to no revision.

The Psalmist rejoiced in God’s testimonies as much as in all riches, because of their exact suitability to his need.  Joy is that which inevitably results from the reception of a suitable blessing.  Food rejoices the hungry soul, not the full one.  The way of God’s testimonies is our way home. For each of you reading this, that truth should generate strength, lighten labor, and ease pain.  May God give you strength through His precious and Holy Word this week!