Pam Padgett ... teacher
Psalm 119:74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.
While thinking about what we're told here, I thought of
how when we hope (trust) in the word of God, we go in the way shown by that
word. We don't go in the ways of the world, but we are led by the Holy Spirit in the way of the word of God. And we
are changed as we follow in the way of the word of God, being conformed
to the image of Jesus Christ.
To those who fear God, it is a joy to see and be around those who hope in the word of God, going in the ways of God rather than in the ways of this world.
For example, if we go in the way of ... Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:7) ....we
will not cast our cares on others, but will turn to God with our cares
and allow God to help us. Those who fear God rejoice with us when we tell of how God helped us.
When we go in the way of ... Let no corrupt
communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the
use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29) ... those who fear God are built up in the faith and think of God and what He has done when hearing us talk.
When we go in the way of ... Trust in
the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct
thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) ... those who fear God are glad to see us go in the way directed by God, the best way for us in the matter.
When we go in the way of ... Blessed
is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth
in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But
his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate
day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of
water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his
leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
(Psalm 1:1-3) ... those who fear God rejoice to see us growing in things of
God as we meditate in the word of God, allowing the word of God to take
root and grow in our hearts, and bringing forth fruit pleasing to God.
As we hope in and follow the word of God, our lives being conformed to the word of God, we not only please God but others in the body of Christ are glad and strengthened to see the working of God in our lives. And we are glad and strengthened as we see them go in the way of the word of God.