Why study the Old Testament? Why wind your way through Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy? Why trace the history of Joshua, the Judges, Kings, and Chronicles? Why wade into the depths of the Old Testament prophets?
Consider the input of Psalm 111:2:
Great are the works of the LORD,
studied by all who delight in them.
Our Creator, in his infinite wisdom, has provided thousands of years’ worth of history to be studied.
The more we study the great works of the LORD, the more we delight in the God behind the great works.
The more we delight in God, the more our present perspective is enhanced and our future trajectory is shaped.
With “whole hearts” (Psa 111:1) we can be moved to say with the psalmist:
- Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to him (111:1)
- His work is full of splendor and majesty (111:3)
- His righteousness endures forever (111:3)
- He is gracious and merciful (111:4)
- He provides food for those who fear him (111:5)
- He remembers his covenant forever (111:5)
- The works of his hands are faithful and just (111:7)
- All God’s precepts are trustworthy (111:7)
- Because he is trustworthy, I will faithfully respond in uprightness (111:8)
- Holy and awesome is his name! (111:9)
- The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (111:10)
- Walking in his wisdom provides insight into the meaning of my life (111:10)
- I will do my part in making sure God’s praise endures forever! (111:10)
Great are the works of the LORD,
studied by all who delight in them.
Are you suffering from a lack of gratitude? Does God seem distant? Are you struggling to hope? Have you been walking in selfish shortsightedness? Stumbling through life like a fool? Do you feel lost? Does daily life seem to lack meaning? Do you yearn to praise and depend upon someone greater than yourself?
If so, maybe the author of Psalm 111 knows what he’s talking about. How long has it been since you studied the awesome accomplishments of the LORD in the Old Testament, using them as a well-defined entrance ramp to delight in God?