BY THIS WE KNOW THAT WE KNOW HIM – “KEEP” “WALK” AND “LOVE”
July 12, 2025A GOOD MAN – “FAMILY AND MATERIAL BLESSINGS”
July 14, 2025The New King James Bible titles Psalm 112 as, “The Blessed State of the Righteous.” In other words, whoever “fears” the LORD, and desires to “walk” in the righteous paths of the LORD, are described as blessed people, and they are in a continuous state of blessedness.
– ‘1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.” – Psalm 112
The blessedness is closely related to two distinct traits of a Christian – “FEARETH the LORD” and “DELIGHTS GREATLY in HIS COMMANDMENTS.” They both are inalienably interlinked. One does not, and will not exist, without the other. The fear one has of the LORD, is visible in our delight in God’s commandments. On the other hand, our delight in God’s commandments, is an indication of our fear of the LORD. They are like the two sides of the same coin. One side on its own, is of no value whatsoever, without the other. Same is the case with “Fear” of God, and the “Delight” in God’s commandments.
1- “FEAR of the LORD” is not being afraid or scared of God. The very purpose of this holy fear is lost, if one is scared of God. The “Fear of the LORD” is a deep reverence and respect for the LORD. In reality, it is honouring the First Commandment in its fullest and purest form – Exodus 20:2.
– “The fear the Bible is talking about is best described as a profound reverence; that is, we are to revere God, or stand in awe of him.” – James Montgomery Boice
2- “DELIGHTS GREATLY in HIS COMMANDMENTS” is an indication of how one feels towards God, and His commandments. God can be viewed as a strict, inflexible and dogmatic person, who demands cold obedience. In such a way of thinking, people see god as someone who is unconcerned about us, except we dutifully obey him. God of the Bible is not to be viewed so. He is not some detached and unconcerned non-personal god. John 3:16 reveals the heart of the God of the Bible.
– “Delighting in God’s commandments implies a love and appreciation for His laws and teachings. This is not mere duty but a genuine joy in following God’s ways, as seen in Psalm 1, where the righteous man meditates on the law day and night. It reflects a heart transformed by God’s grace, finding pleasure in living according to His will. This delight is a mark of true devotion and commitment to God.” – Berean Study Bible
When we see God for who He truly is, then we begin to appreciate God, His commandments, and His wish that, we obey Him in all things. Because we see God in a different light, obedience to God comes automatically. We “DELIGHT GREATLY in HIS COMMANDMENTS” because, now, obedience is not a burden, but a joyful blessing. Such a state of mind will resonate with Habakkuk’s words – Habakkuk 3:17-19.
How do we see God? Do we “fear” our LORD? Do we “Delight Greatly” in His Commandments? How are we approaching God, and His demand for our complete obedience? Let us seek God to help us to “FEAR” Him, and to “DELIGHT GREATLY” in His commandments. Even so, the LORD help us.
