The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. Psalm 19:7-8 (NASB)
How important is God’s Word to you? It is said that when the famous missionary Dr David Livingstone started his trek across Africa he had 73 books in three packs, weighing 180 pounds. After the party had gone 300 miles, Livingstone was obliged to throw away some of the books because of the fatigue of those carrying his baggage. As he continued on his journey his library grew smaller and smaller, until he had but one book left: his Bible. Why did he keep his Bible? Psalm 19 holds the clues. In Psalm 19, David shows that God has spoken to us through his revelation in His handiwork and in His handwriting. David uses many ways to describe God’s Word in this psalm, such as perfect, trustworthy, right, precious etc. He also tells us of its benefits in verses 7-8:
- The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.
- The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
- The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.
- The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.
“Reviving the soul … making wise the simple … bringing joy to the heart … giving insight for living…”
Reading and heeding God’s Word brings life to our souls. “The words that I speak to you,” Jesus said, “are spirit, and they are life.” David used the same word in Psalm 23 when he said:
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake. Psalm 23:3 (NASB)
Reading and heeding God’s Word makes us wise. We can become wise through the revelation of Holy Scripture. David said in Psalm 119:
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies… Psalm 119:98 (AMP)
Wisdom is the ability to respond correctly in life’s situations. The wisdom from God’s Word shows us how our infinitely wise Creator has ordained for us to live.
The unfolding of Your words gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130 (NASB)
Reading and heeding God’s Word brings joy to our hearts. It’s good news of great joy.
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight… Jeremiah 15:16 (NIVUK)
Strong’s Concordance tells us that the word for “ate” literally means ‘to devour’. This reflects Jeremiah’s avid hunger for God’s Word.
Reading and heeding God’s Word gives us insight for living. So many people today are distressed or despondent because they lack direction and purpose. Most seek answers from the wrong sources. God’s Word can be a lamp to our path.
I was once asked to try a simple test. You might like to try it too. You will need a pen and paper. Are you ready? Close your eyes and draw a circle on your page. With your eyes still shut, draw a square around the circle. Without peeping try to draw a triangle inside the circle so that its corners touch the edge of the circle. It is time to open your eyes and admire your handiwork. It if resembles my attempt, it is not very good. The moral of the exercise is that certain things which are impossible to do in the dark become simple in the light. Likewise, when the light of God’s truth shines in our hearts, He shows us how to deal with difficult issues we face. He gives us insight for living. Let’s experience God’s Word in a fresh new way.