Delighting in the Truth

I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man.

Prior to conversion, no one could claim to “joyfully concur with the law of God.” We were at war with the truth and found plea-sure in selfish and vain pursuits of fleshly happiness. Though sin can reign in our mortal bodies (Rom. 6:12), the gospel ignites a new appetite, a longing that can only be satisfied by God Himself. So, Paul can write, that though he battles with temptation and weakness (Rom. 7:15–16), he has confidence in the gospel’s transforming work as his heart—once dead to godly appetites—now hungers and thirsts for righteousness. Do you, as the psalmist claims, find the law of God more desirable than gold and sweeter to you than honey (Psa. 19:10)? When exposed to God’s word, by studying, sound preaching and teaching, or in conversation, does your heart drink deeply and find greater satisfaction in the law of God? Those who are redeemed know this satisfaction, and increasingly starve themselves from the lesser delights of this world. Those who reside in tropical contexts like India, Pakistan, or the Philippines know that the mango is the sweetest fruit on earth. Its popularity far outweighs the other naturally grown fruit, karela, a gourd, which has the distinction of being the world’s bitterest fruit. If given the choice, mango will always prevail. Even as believers we sometimes feast on the worldviews, false teachings, and secular philosophies that are bitter to our taste. These things are to be rejected for the sweet fruit of God’s truth. Do you, as the psalmist claims, find the law of God more desirable than gold and sweeter to you than honey (Psa. 19:10)? Check your diet and exchange all the bitter fruits of this world for the truth, which is sweet to the soul.

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