The A to Z of God’s Word
I attended an oil and gas symposium in Rifle, Colorado today. It was well attended and some good information. This evening we had a steak fry on the one of the most remote “ranch” locations I have ever been to. It just happens to be one of the largest natural gas fields in western Colorado. I was pleased to see Scott McGinnis tonight. Before I could get his attention he came over to me to say “hello.” Scott is a former Congressman and candidate for Governor. He was very gracious and introduced me to some people and expressed how pleased he was to see my progress.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your word. I have sought You with all my heart; don’t let me wander from Your commands. I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You.” Psalm 119:9-11 HCSB
Psalm 119 is the longest psalm and perhaps appropriately focuses on “God’s Word.” This psalm refers to “God’s Word” as His commands, instructions, law and precepts. It is an extolling of the value and power of God’s Word from A to Z. Each stanza begins with a different letter from the Hebrew alphabet.
The psalm begins with the declaration, “How happy are those whose way is blameless, who live according to the Lord’s instruction!” (Psa. 119:1 HCSB) The life lived according to God’s ways is the blessed life, it is the way to “keep us on track.”
We this reflected in the familiar verses above. When we follow the Lord’s commands, when we treasure them in our hearts, they help us to maintain the life that is pleasing to the Lord and a blessing to others.
We see that the Lord listens to our cries and it is important for us to listen to His words, “I told You about my life,
and You listened to me; teach me Your statutes. Help me understand the meaning of Your precepts so that I can meditate on Your wonders.” (Psa. 119:26,27 HCSB) If we seek the Lord ask Him for insight, He will give us greater understanding of His Word and His ways.
The psalmist declares the confidence and boldness that the Lord’s instructions provide, “I will walk freely in an open place because I seek Your precepts. I will speak of Your decrees before kings and not be ashamed. I delight in Your commands, which I love.” (Psa. 119:45-47)
We see the declaration of the permanence of God’s Word, “Lord, Your word is forever; it is firmly fixed in heaven.” (Psa. 119:89 HCSB)
The Lord directs us through His Word. He illuminates the next step for us to take and shines a light on the direction we are to go. “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.“ (Psa. 119:105 HCSB)
God’s Word enables us to know God more and the result is worship and praise. “I will lift up my hands to Your commands which I love….I long for Your salvation, Lord, and Your instruction is my delight. Let me live, and I will praise You; may Your judgments help me.” (Psa. 119:48, 174-175 HCSB)
Instructions, laws, commands and decrees are usually viewed as oppressive and something to be avoided. But when our heart is right with the Lord, we understand that His decrees are for our good. They are our salvation and life, if we will learn them and live by them.