How Blest are They Who Hear God's Word

If you ever need a picture of how sin looks, and how we look when we are disobedient to God, just take a few moments, or days, and observe young children. It is so fascinating to me to watch them as they hear what their parents say, then defiantly do the opposite thing. Of course, they are surprised when they are punished! As I watched this happen over and over again, I was struck by how similar I am to them: not necessarily in disobedience to my earthly parents but in relation to my Heavenly Father.

How many times have I defiantly done the opposite thing when I know what God’s word says? Or like these children, obey partially or after some delay, which in my book, and God’s, is still disobedience. Just as our parents have rules for our protection, God has provided His word for our protection. He has called us to obedience of His commands. When we immerse ourselves in His word, we will be protected as His word takes root in our hearts and we are open to the Spirit guiding and directing us.

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1-2

As this hymn reminds us, it’s not enough to just hear God’s word, we must keep and heed what it says.

Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other. Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the LORD your God gives you for all time.
Deut. 4:39-40

Father, Your word is a treasure; guide me as I gather wisdom and meditate on your commands. I long to obey you: fully, the first time. Show me where I am not obedient that I might confess my sin and change my behavior. Amen.

How Blest are They who Hear God’s Word
Words by Johan N. Brun

How blest are they who hear God’s Word
And keep and heed what they have heard!
They wisdom daily gather;
Their light shines brighter day by day,
And while they tread life’s weary way,
They have the oil of gladness
To soothe their pain and sadness.

God’s Word a treasure is to me,
Through sorrow’s night my sun shall be,
The shield of faith in battle.
The Father’s hand hath written there
My title as His child and heir,
“The kingdom’s thine forever.”
That promise faileth never.

Today I was my Savior’s guest,
My soul was here so richly blest,
The Bread of Life receiving.
Oh, may thereby my faith prevail,
So that its fruits shall never fail
Till my account is given
Before the throne in Heaven!