DELIGHTING IN THE LORD
An accurate index of being a disciple is delighting in the Lord. Delighting in the Lord is more than tradition, religiosity and an adherence to social norms. It is the difference between familiarity with God versus intimacy with God. Psalms 112 begins with describing the blessedness of a man who delights in the Lord.
1 Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands.
When one delights in the Lord, life becomes distinctively abundant.
2 Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
The Psalmist describes how when one decides to live in the fear of the Lord, the blessings of God flow on to the succeeding generation. They will not be in want as God provides all they need and more. It is not a prioritizing of or a chasing of abundance by a disciple, rather a focus on God that allows abundance to flow in. The Psalmist goes on to describe how, in addition, security and protection rests upon the one who fears the Lord.
6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.
7 They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
Truly, when one fears the Lord, there is nothing else to fear. A distinctive lifestyle follows when one fears the Lord- one of compassion, generosity and justice. A person who fears the Lord naturally impacts the society around.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.
9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever;
their horn will be lifted high in honor.
Honor and abundance follow as a life hidden in Christ, directed by God’s love and centered around honoring God reaches the summit of fulfilment.
