The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.
Psalm 119:72
The foundation of joy is connection—connection to God and connection to others. The psalmist understood this deeply. In Psalm 119:66, he prays, “Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I have believed in thy commandments.” He’s asking God for that ongoing relationship, that constant connection. Later, in verse 72, he declares that God’s law is better to him than thousands of gold and silver pieces. What God has revealed in His Word is more valuable than anything this world offers.
This connection comes through spending time in Scripture, through prayer, through worship. It’s cultivated in those quiet moments when we choose to turn off the television, put down our phones, and simply be with God.
But we also need connection with fellow believers. From the very beginning, God said it wasn’t good for man to be alone. We weren’t designed for isolation. We need the encouragement, the accountability, the shared faith of other Christians. We need to pray for one another, encourage one another, and journey together.
When we stay connected to God and to His people, we tap into a source of joy that isn’t dependent on our circumstances. It’s the joy of the Lord, not our own manufactured happiness.
Tony French
