This psalm provoked much reflection on how it is possible to find happiness in laws, even, or perhaps especially, God's law. The psalm seems to be promising that the law of the Lord is meant to be a blessing to God’s people. True happiness comes from enjoying God’s word and not from a wicked life.

In some ways, this has been our experience. Hanging out with people who lead us into paths that at first seem fun, but are really self-destructive, has resulted in depression. Turning back to God, focusing on loving God and others, has healed our hearts and lives.

On the other hand, we have experienced family and church who have used the idea of the "law of the Lord" to promote the idea that anything enjoyable is bad and any act of independence is a sin. We have had to search for deeper laws of love and find joy in doing that deeper law, rather than the rules imposed on us. Knowing this deeper law is not as easy as it looks. The Bible is written by people and there is no pure or unbiased fountain of faith. Looking within our own experience helps with the search for that fountain.

Another challenge is the idea of "delighting" in the law of the Lord. To us, prayer and reading the Bible often seem like work, even if they ultimately bring peace and joy to some of us. Trying different approaches, being open to the Spirit, being creative in approaches to prayer and Scripture all help to make meditation more enjoyable.