I’ve been reading through the book of Psalms in the Bible, one each night before I turn out the lights. It’s amazing what wonderful sleep you get with God’s words the last thing on your mind. The Psalms are familiar, I have read them many times and have always received help, hope, a lightened heart, and at times a bit of scolding as well. It’s good for me.
Psalm 19:7-14 is very well known.There are praise songs and hymns written from its words. It extols the Law of the LORD; tells readers the aspects and wonders of God’s commandments and principles, and reminds them of the rewards of cherishing and obeying them. Written by Israel’s King David over 3,000 years ago, it nevertheless is God’s Word for us today.
These phrases are from the Good News Bible, a modern, easy-to-read translation that I am using for the Psalms, as a change, so I don’t run over them too quickly from familiarity. The thoughts and insights about them are my own as I review again, this lovely portion of scripture. Thank you, David. And thank YOU, my God.
The Law of the LORD is perfect. And that’s because HE is perfect. He spoke no laws that need rescinding or amending.
It gives new strength — when we see the attributes of Almighty God in the Word and trust Him. When we see the Way that we should walk. When we see justice poured put on evil. When we see what reward He has prepared for for His faithful children.
It is trust-worthy. And that is because it is perfect. Because God is good. Because He is faithful and keeps His promises always.
It gives wisdom to those who lack it. Because it is truth, ALL truth and applicable for all life.
It is right/righteous. Because God is holy and right. Because He can do no wrong at all.
It brings happiness to those who obey it. Because God knows what is best for His children.
It is just. Because God is omniscient, knowing time, from eternity past to eternity future. Because He knows all the heart of man, even the secret parts. Because he is good and perfect and holy.
It gives understanding to the mind. So we will know God, make good decisions, live as He desires.
It is always fair. Perhaps not to our finite, sinful minds, but in God’s sovereign plan for the world. Because He is righteous. He alone knows the thoughts and intents of the heart and judges accordingly.
It is more desirable than the finest gold. To know God in His word is eternal life. To possess it in the heart is riches beyond imagination.
It is sweeter than the purest honey. It soothes anxiety and fear. It brings joy unspeakable. It comforts and strengthens. It reveals the great love of God.
It gives knowledge. To know God is to trust Him completely and to love him with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength. To truly know Him means we long to tell others of His goodness and wonderful works.
It rewards obedience. With peace and assurance. With intimate access to God. With purity of heart.
None of us can clearly see his own errors. God’s Word lovingly but firmly points them out and shows us ways to avoid them. If we “hide His Word in our hearts” (memorize and meditate on it), it will keep us from both HIDDEN FAULTS and WILLFUL SINS, and give us the strength to resist temptation.
Oh LORD God, may MY words and MY thoughts reflect Your perfection, Your righteousness and holiness, Your faithfulness and purity, Your wisdom and truth…today and always.
THOT: God’s word is meant to be BREAD for daily use, not CAKE for special occasions.
Morning Meditations 