Lord, Teach Me to Treasure Your Word

“The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.”

— Psalm 119:72 (KJV)

Today I am struck by how much the psalmist values God's Word. He says it is better to him than thousands of gold and silver. That is more than saying Scripture is useful. He treasures what God says above earthly riches.

He begins this passage by remembering that the Lord has dealt well with him. Then he admits, “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.” His difficult experience brought him back to God's ways. He can even say that it was good for him to be afflicted because he learned the Lord's statutes.

I do not want to pretend that pain is easy or that every hardship is a punishment from God. But I recognize the need to listen when He corrects me. Sometimes I wander, and His Word calls me back. I may not understand everything that happens, yet I can still bring my questions to Him.

One line steadies me: “Thou art good, and doest good.” When life is hard, I can be tempted to think God has done something bad to me. The psalmist reminds me to look again at who the Lord is and how faithfully He has dealt with His servant. Looking back, I can see many ways He has been good to me, even when I did not know how I would come this far.

Lord, grow in me the same appetite for Your Word. Help me receive Your teaching, follow You closely, and value Your voice more than anything money could buy.

Reflection

Have I mistaken a hard season for proof that God is not good? How can I receive His correction and treasure His Word above what money can give?

Prayer

Lord, You have dealt well with me. Forgive me for the times I wander or doubt Your goodness when life is hard. Use Your Word to bring me back, teach me Your ways, and give me a heart that values what You say more than gold or silver. You are good and do good. In Jesus' name, amen.