Loving God Means Loving His Word (Psalm 119 Reflection)

Loving God is revealed in loving His Word. Psalm 119 shows how delighting in Scripture shapes the believer’s life.

Author: Dave Jenkins
Podcast: Contending for the Word Q&A
Date: April 5, 2026

Show Summary

What does it mean to truly love God? One of the clearest indicators of our love for the Lord is our love for His Word. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins reflects on Psalm 119:97–105 and considers how the psalmist’s delight in Scripture reveals a heart shaped by the truth of God. Rather than treating God’s Word as a burden, the believer is called to treasure it, meditate on it, and walk in obedience to it. This episode encourages listeners to return to Scripture not as a task to complete, but as a gift to receive from the God who has graciously revealed Himself in His Word.

What does it mean to love God’s Word? Psalm 119 teaches that loving God is expressed through delighting in, meditating on, and obeying Scripture.

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Psalm 119:97–105 Explained

• Psalm 119:97–105

Episode Highlights

• Loving God is seen in loving His Word.
• Scripture is not mere information, but God’s gracious self-revelation.
• Psalm 119 presents God’s Word as delight, wisdom, and guidance.
• Love for Scripture grows through time, faithfulness, and daily dependence on God.
• Believers should return to the Bible not merely as a task, but as a gift.

Full Article

Welcome back to Contending for the Word Q&A. I’m Dave Jenkins.

As we come to the end of this first week of Scripture Questions Month, I want us to slow down. This is not a day for analysis or even instruction, but for reflection. It is an opportunity to step back and consider what it truly means to love God.

One of the clearest indicators of our love for God is our love for His Word.

Scripture is not merely information about God. It is God graciously revealing Himself to His people through His Word. So today’s reflection is simple, and it is foundational: loving God means loving His Word.

Listen to the words of Psalm 119:97–105:

“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

The psalmist does not speak of God’s Word as a burden or an obligation, but as a delight. He loves God’s law because it reveals God’s wisdom, directs his steps, and shapes his life.

Notice how deeply personal this love is. God’s Word is not distant. It is meditated on, treasured, obeyed, and enjoyed. The psalmist does not merely read Scripture. He lives with it, allowing it to guide his thinking, guard his heart, and direct his path.

This kind of love does not happen overnight. It grows through time, faithfulness, and daily dependence on God. As we read Scripture regularly, God uses His Word to deepen our love for Him and to steady our walk with Him.

If loving God’s Word feels difficult at times, you are not alone. There are seasons when Scripture feels challenging, unfamiliar, or even slow to read. But love grows through practice and perseverance.

Ask the Lord to give you a heart that delights in His Word. Return to Scripture not as a task to complete, but as a gift to receive. Come to the Bible to delight in the God who has revealed Himself there.

Over time, God’s Word will shape your loves, renew your mind, and strengthen your faith.

Thank you for listening to or watching this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A. May the Lord deepen your love for His Word and steady your steps by His truth. God bless you and keep you.

Takeaways / Reflection Questions

• Do I approach Scripture as a burden, or as a delight?
• How is God using His Word to shape my thinking, affections, and daily walk?
• What practical step can I take this week to meditate more intentionally on Scripture?
• Have I asked the Lord to deepen my love for His Word?

Call to Action

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