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Jennifer Garrett Richmond

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When You Need Refreshment

Blog· Devotionals· Podcast to Blog· Thoughts · 4 minute read

from Psalm 119:97-104 “Oh how I love your law!
    It is my meditation all the day.
” v. 99 See


The Power of Meditating on God’s Word

Wisdom. Confidence. Refreshment.

This passage Psalm 119:97-104 beautifully captures the essence of loving and meditating on God’s word and the wisdom, confidence, and refreshment we have when we make God’s Word our delight.

Scripture equips us with wisdom, guides our lives, and brings us immense joy…I invite you to be refreshed in His Word today…

Loving God’s Law: A Source of Constant Meditation

Listen to the cry of the psalmist’s heart in this verse:

“Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” He’s not just saying that he loves the law of God, it’s passionate and even desperate…

a deep, abiding love that drives the psalmist to meditate on God’s word continuously. The idea here is more than just reading the Bible; it’s about letting God’s word dwell richly in our hearts and minds, shaping our thoughts and actions throughout the day. Love, love, love this!

Wisdom Beyond Our Years

Wisdom is what he gains. Isn’t that what we need? His constant meditation on God’s commandments. Think of how amazing this is: “Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.”

In a world full of challenges and adversaries, the wisdom we gain from Scripture gives us an edge—equipping us to navigate life’s complexities with insight and understanding. It’s not that we’re in a competition to get above any particular teacher – it’s that in a world when so many are satisfied with where they are or the place they’ve arrived, the one who loves God’s law just keeps going and growing – refreshed and strengthed by the living water of God’s Word.

The psalmist also claims to have “more understanding than all my teachers” and even “more understanding than the aged.” This isn’t a boastful statement but rather an acknowledgment that true wisdom comes from God’s word. Whether you’re young or old, new in faith, or a seasoned believer, meditating on Scripture can elevate your understanding beyond that of even the most learned teachers or elders.

Holding Back from Evil: The Guiding Light of God’s Word

As we continue through these verses, the psalmist highlights the protective nature of God’s word. He writes, “I hold back my feet from every evil way in order to keep your word.” Isn’t is amazing to see the power of Scripture not only to guide us toward what is good but also to steer us away from paths that lead to harm. In a world filled with temptations and falsehoods, God’s word acts as a guardrail, keeping us on the right path.

Sweeter Than Honey: The Delight of God’s Word

One of the most vivid images in this passage is the description of God’s Word as “sweeter than honey to my mouth.” In ancient times, honey was one of the sweetest substances known, and this comparison highlights the deep pleasure and satisfaction that comes from immersing ourselves in Scripture. God’s word isn’t just a set of rules; it’s a source of joy and delight, something to be savored and cherished. It refreshes and like water – or a sweet treat – gives us just what we need in dry and parched seasons especially!

The Living Water: Finding Satisfaction in Christ

As we meditate on these verses, we’re reminded of another powerful biblical image—Jesus as the living water. In John 7:38, Jesus says, “Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” Just as the psalmist finds satisfaction in God’s word, we too are called to find our deepest fulfillment in Christ, the living word. When we align our lives with His teachings, we experience a spiritual refreshment that nothing else can provide.

Embracing the Wisdom of God’s Word

I encourage you to take these verses to heart. Spend time each day meditating on Scripture, allowing it to shape your thoughts, guide your actions, and bring you joy. Whether you’re facing challenges, seeking wisdom, or simply looking for peace, God’s word is the ultimate source of strength and satisfaction and refreshment.

As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts—leave a comment, share this with a friend, and remember that you are loved and prayed for. Until next time, keep growing in wisdom and continue dwelling richly in His word.

How to Study the Bible: Tips from this episode…

  1. Meditate on God’s Word Daily: Don’t just read the Bible—take time to meditate on it throughout your day. Reflect deeply on what you read, allowing the Scriptures to influence your thoughts, actions, and decisions.
  2. Commit Scripture to Memory: Memorize passages like Psalm 119:97-104 to keep God’s word close to your heart. This will help you have His wisdom readily available whenever you need guidance.
  3. Apply Scripture to Life’s Challenges: Use God’s word both offensively and defensively in your life. Let it guide your decisions and actions, and rely on it for strength and protection in spiritual battles.
  4. Compare Teachings Against Scripture: As you learn from others, whether in secular or biblical settings, always compare what you hear with the truth of God’s word. This ensures that your understanding aligns with the Bible.
  5. Delight in God’s Word: Approach your Bible study with joy and anticipation. Let Scripture be a source of delight and refreshment, something you look forward to each day, knowing it will satisfy your soul like nothing else can.

Listen to the Full Episode

In the full podcast episode, I explore the symbolism of the Hebrew letter “Mem” in greater detail and share how you can apply these truths to your daily life. I encourage you to take some time to listen, reflect, and let God’s Word dwell richly in your heart…even more so, to delight in His Word like never before.

You can listen to this full episode (Episode #933) on your favorite platform or right here on the blog. Let’s journey together in discovering the boundless beauty of God’s eternal Word – delighting and not just, “doing” Bible study!

Listen to this podcast, and get the transcript along with other resources here.


The Dwelling Richly podcast is where I teach, think, share, and engage with you about God’s Word – how to let it dwell in us and how we can return the favor, and dwell in the Word. I invite you to say hi, leave a comment, share your thoughts, and even share this post. Click “Dwelling Richly” on the menu above and explore the podcast, blog, and Bible studies. All free and open to you – be a part of the Dwelling Richly community. ~Jennifer

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