Sweeter Than Honey

In my experience the Bible has been a source of great pleasure. And my pleasure does not come from being able to live up to its moral standards. In fact, the more I read it, the more I realize how far short I fall from being a good and loving person. This may sound funny—that information from a book—any book—would do so much. But it is not merely information. Its words connect me with the living God, who reshapes my desires. He has heightened my capacity to enjoy. Everything that has gone well in my life is because of God working through the Bible.

In one his poetic songs to God, David, Israel’s musician-king, joyfully sang that the Bible to was “sweeter than honey” and “more desirable than fine gold.” (Ps. 19:10). Here we see somebody who loves something. By referring to the Bible as “sweeter than honey,” David is saying that it tastes good. It is not just “good for you.” It is both. By referring to the Bible as “more desirable than fine gold,” David is saying that it has great worth, high value. It is not merely correct. It true in a profoundly personal and life changing way.

The Bible is sweet and valuable because it reveals the grace and glory of God in Jesus Christ, which delivers you from being “stuffed with self.” In other words, the Bible makes much of God rather than making much of you. Don’t misunderstand. It is not that the Bible disparages the reader. It elevates you by drawing you into the beauty of God. Through the Bible, God is offering you freedom. That may surprise you if you imagine the bible as a book of accusing demands. But it is true—the God’s word can free you from the prison of self-protection, self-glorification, and self-assertion. This freedom is the work of the Spirit of Christ, a freedom to be driven, yes indeed, driven by love—love for God and others. And what you are drive by, you are passionate about.

Perhaps you believe in the Bible, don’t enjoy it and you. feel a lot of guilt about that. There is hope. You can learn to enjoy the Bible, so that it becomes “sweeter than honey” to you. In the coming days, I will be posting thoughts on how to cultivate this enjoyment.