Based on the study, For Such A Time As This, by Love God Greatly,w2d1
Read: Esther 2:5-11 and SOAP: Psalm 112:1
How blessed is the one who obeys (fears) the Lord,
Psalm 112:1
who takes great delight in keeping his commands.
Have you ever found yourself chasing after the things of the world, believing or even hoping they would bring the happiness/contentment you were looking for? Let me clarify—I’m not necessarily referring to the ‘bad’ things of the world, though that would be a valid question as well. However, let’s just assess the ‘good’ things we might chase after, like family, friends, a dream-sized body, dream jobs, dream homes, even dream churches, or how about the dream ‘happiness’ that everyone else seems to have. I’ll be the first to say that I have, and I’m guessing the largest percentage of those reading this would answer yes.
Being the first to say yes to the question, I certainly haven’t asked it to cast guilt or shame, but rather to offer encouragement to stop and reflect on today’s verse from Psalm 112:1. How blessed is the one who obeys (fears) the Lord, who takes great delight in keeping his commands. This is one of the many verses throughout the Bible that point us to the only true and lasting source of a blessed (contented, happy, joy-filled…) life. Speaking from experience, there is nothing more frustrating and often heartbreaking than chasing after something or someone that we believe will fulfill our joy/happiness, only to find disappointment as the happiness soon disappears or leaves us wanting more. “The truth is, we can never fill the deepest desires of our hearts with the things of this world. Yet, there is a different kind of joy, a lasting joy, that can only be found in the fear of the Lord and delighting in His ways.” As believers, we must realize this truth, teach it well to our children or others around us, and make the necessary changes in our hearts, minds, and lifestyles.
The truth is, we can never fill the deepest desires of our hearts with the things of this world. Yet, there is a different kind of joy, a lasting joy, that can only be found in the fear of the Lord and delighting in His ways.
For Such A Time As This, p67
Because it is vitally important to grasp this truth and let it take root within us, I am sharing portions of today’s journal entry with the hope that you will understand what it is to “fear the Lord,” and the importance of delighting in His commands/ways. When this becomes our lifestyle, happiness may still seem elusive, but we will most assuredly know the blessings and joy of the Lord.
“Psalm 112:1 gives us a beautiful reminder of where true joy and blessing are found – in fearing the Lord and delighting in His ways. To ‘fear’ the Lord means to stand in awe of His greatness and to live with a deep reverence for who He is. When we hold God in His proper place of honor, everything changes. Our hearts begin to delight in His Word. The emptiness of our hearts goes away as He fills that void, and we find the lasting joy we’ve been searching for. This fear of the Lord is not a fear of punishment but a life-changing reverence that brings us closer to Him.”
For Such A Time As This, p67
Friends, like Esther and Mordecai, we are people living in a foreign land. It is a land full of uncertainties, temptations, and demands, and we are warned that though we live in the world, we must not copy the behavior and customs of the world. Instead, as our journey through Esther will reveal about her, we must choose — “to walk in obedience to God and His calling on our lives. “She found her strength and purpose in seeking and honoring Him, and God’s protection followed. In the same way, when we live in awe of God, trusting Him in every situation, we will experience the kind of joy that isn’t dependent on our circumstances.”
True happiness isn’t about what we have or where we are; it’s about who we know — God Himself. When we turn to Him and seek His ways, He fills our lives with a joy that can’t be shaken.
For Such A Time As This, p67
Prayer
Father, while Your name is not on the pages of Esther’s story, Your presence is clearly seen. I see Your protection and Your provision in Esther finding favor with Hegai and being placed in the best quarters and in a place where Mordecai could daily see how she was doing. I see Your wisdom and sovereignty through Mordecai’s instructions that Esther not divulge that she was a Jew. Father, in a world and time when we sometimes can’t see You in our struggles, this passage brings hope and encouragement. It brings instruction and admonishment to live as people who fear/obey You and take delight in keeping Your commands. Help us to remember that happiness isn’t about what we have or where we are, but about knowing You. Let us keep our eyes on You and faithfully follow Your ways – that we might know the blessings of Your joy and peace and not be shaken. – In the name of Jesus – Amen.
Me From the Inside Out 