How can we delight in doing God's will like in Psalm 40:8? Setting Our Hearts on His Word “ ‘I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.’ ” (Psalm 40:8) • In Scripture, delight is never a surface emotion; it is the settled pleasure of a heart that has treasured God’s Word. • Psalm 1:2 mirrors this: “His delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.” • We delight in God’s will when His revealed Word has moved from the page to the core of who we are. Filling the Heart with His Truth • Read widely and repeatedly. Let whole books of the Bible wash over you until themes and promises become familiar friends. • Memorize key passages—start with Psalm 40:8 itself. Carry them into errands, commutes, late-night feedings. • Meditate slowly. Ask, “What does this reveal about God? What response does it call from me?” (Psalm 119:97). • Sing Scripture. Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you… singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” Melody cements truth. Aligning Our Will to His • Surrender daily: “Not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). • Ask the Spirit to renew your mind (Romans 12:2) so desires line up with commands. • Replace “I have to” with “I get to.” Duty turns to delight when we remember grace. Following the Pattern of Christ • Hebrews 10:7 quotes our verse and applies it to Jesus: “ ‘Here I am—it is written about Me in the scroll—I have come to do Your will, O God.’ ” • John 4:34: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.” • The Savior found nourishment in obedience; we walk in His steps. Practicing Delight in Everyday Life • Start each morning with a short portion of Scripture; thank God aloud for one truth you see. • Pause at decision points—ask, “Which choice best matches God’s revealed will?” • Serve someone unnoticed; secret obedience cultivates pure joy (Matthew 6:4). • Keep a journal of “obedience joys”—moments when following God brought unexpected sweetness. Review often. Enjoying the Fruit He Promises • Stability under pressure (Psalm 119:165). • Increased discernment (Psalm 111:10). • Overflowing thanksgiving (Psalm 40:3). • A contagious witness—others “see and fear and put their trust in the LORD” (Psalm 40:3). Looking Ahead to Perfect Delight • One day obedience will be effortless (1 John 3:2). Until then, each choice to embrace God’s will is a foretaste of heaven. |
    |