Psalms 119:14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
In the preceding verse the psalmist wrote of the fact that he had declared with his lips all the judgments of God’s mouth. The verse we consider today gives the reason he could speak of God’s word so openly and informedly, that reason being that he rejoiced in the way of God’s testimonies. Think about it. Most of us have no difficulty talking at length about anything that we greatly enjoy, whether it be a novel we have read, a movie we have seen, a trip we have taken, a hobby we pursue, a sport we keep up with, or the grandchildren we adore. I can talk with ease and at length about learning foreign languages because I find so much joy in it. I bet some of you wish I enjoyed it a little less, eh? Tired of hearing about it? Well, cast a mantel of charity my way and deal with it. Now if we have trouble talking about the way of God’s testimonies, it is likely owing to a lack of joy that we have in it; and that calls for a serious correction of our priorities.
Now our psalmist did not just rejoice in God’s testimonies, although he did, but he rejoiced in the way of God’s testimonies. He not only loved the theology, the science, the history, the prophetic accuracy, and the form of God’s testimonies, but he loved the way of them. He loved the course of life that they prescribe for us to follow. He enjoyed living by God’s law. He enjoyed doing it himself and he enjoyed seeing others do it.
Observe that the psalmist said that he rejoiced in the way of God’s testimonies as much as in all riches. Let’s face it: we do rejoice in riches. It gives us a thrill when we get a raise or a bonus, or get paid a dividend, or win a prize, or receive an unexpected gift. And there is nothing wrong with this. After all, it is “the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1Timothy 6:17). But if our hearts are right with God, we should rejoice in the way of His testimonies as much as in all riches. That expression as much as suggests that our rejoicing in the way of God’s testimonies should be to the same degree or extent as our rejoicing in all riches. In fact, God’s testimonies and what they can do for our life are better than any riches this world has to offer. In speaking of God’s testimonies, the psalmist David wrote:
Psalms 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
King Solomon, a man who had everything money could buy in his day, wrote this about God’s testimonies which impart wisdom and understanding:
Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
There should be nothing that we can acquire in this world that brings us greater joy than the way of God’s testimonies. If you have a choice between living by God’s law and acquiring wealth, then live by God’s law. As a parent, it should bring you greater joy to see your children walk according to God’s commandments than to see them acquire a university degree, or a prestigious job, or a big house. My mother always taught me that the greatest gift I could ever give to her is to live a good life, and by that she meant a godly life. As a pastor nothing brings me greater joy than to see those whom I teach walking in the way of God’s testimonies. I share the sentiments of the apostle John when he wrote:
3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Charles Spurgeon had the following interesting comment to make on this verse:
"Observe that his joy was personal, distinct, remembered, and abundant. Wonder not that in the previous verse he glories in having spoken much of that which he had so much enjoyed: a man may well talk of that which is his delight."
The psalmist’s joy was personal: “I have rejoiced.” His joy was distinct: “I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies.” His joy was remembered: “I have rejoiced.” He joy was abundant: “I have rejoiced…as much as in all riches.”
Lastly, those of us who are blessed to live on this side of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ into this earth rejoice in the way of God’s testimonies in a very special manner. We know the way of life Jesus lived and the example He has set before us to follow. We know Him to be the way to God, the way to which all of God’s testimonies point. To rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ, is to rejoice in the way of God’s testimonies.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
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