Devotionals by Jill Briscoe

They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. - Psalm 19:10

Why is it that people seem to be so discontented? Maybe they are looking for the wrong kind of wealth. The world is full of people trying everything they can to accumulate material wealth. The lifestyles of the rich and famous are fascinating. Many people hope that their own gold rush will give such sweet results. Along with the desired rewards, however, comes the effort to protect the gold they’ve got. Security systems lock them in and the rest of the world out. Accumulating wealth can put people at risk.

No wonder the psalmist uses the symbols of gold and honey to point out the value of God’s word. While accumulating wealth puts us at risk of losing it, accumulating knowledge and understanding of God’s word only enriches us. Mere gold cannot substitute for any God’s riches.

God’s laws are also described as “sweeter than honey” dripping from a honeycomb because they warn us away from harm, and “there is great reward for those who obey them” (Psalm 19:10-11). That is sweet! Spiritual riches are found in biblical knowledge. Sweet success lies in living out that knowledge! What are you “rushing” after? Oh, to be involved in a gold rush with eternal dividends!

My human father was wealthy. I grew up with every material blessing. When I came to faith, I began to discover that Christ was my greatest treasure and in him alone lay satisfaction. There are eternal riches in knowing him. Only then can we find true contentment.

For Further Study: Psalm 19:1-14

Excerpted from The One Year Devotions for Women, Copyright ©2000 by Jill Briscoe. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.

For more from Jill Briscoe, please visit TellingtheTruth.org.

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