September 19, 2001
Reading
“Unless your law had
been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction” (92)
The Bible is full of ‘twos’, comparisons between two entities such as ‘the body of sin and the body of Christ’, or options between two choices such as ‘eternal life and eternal death’. In this passage we are confronted with ‘perished or preserved’, which is another way of saying ‘life or death’.
We are told that the law of God
keeps us from perishing! Affliction can lead to death and this, of course, is
Satan’s desire and goal. The Word of God is very powerful and effective; it is
not just the ramblings of prophets and apostles as they sought to convert the
heathen to their way of thinking. “For the word of God is living and powerful,
and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and
spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and
intents of the heart” (Heb:
For many of us who love and serve Jesus Christ the Word of God is the difference between life and death. In it we find comfort in the time of sorrow, strength in the time of weakness, support in the time of instability, guidance in the time of decision and proof in the time of doubt. We love the Word of God and meditate in it both day and night. We quote it to show the lost the way of salvation, we read it to the sick for their comfort, we read it to the downcast so they may be strengthened and even the unsaved read from it at funerals! The Word of God is an intricate part of our lives and culture whether we acknowledge it or not.
“I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life” (93). The Word of God can never be effective in our lives if we do not read it. Others may read novels or study the great works of literature but those who love the Lord find themselves drawn more and more into His Word. There is not much strength and comfort to be drawn from reading the works of Shakespeare or Charles Dickens, entertainment yes, but not those things that are life supporting and preserving. There is nothing wrong with reading and enjoying a good novel, but that is what they are, novels, the imaginations of men. The Word of God is His thoughts, principles and plans. The Word of God contains stories that match and exceed the entertainment value of the best of novels and at the same time teaches us about God and His ways.
The Psalmist says, “I have sought Your precepts” (94), and “I will consider Your testimonies” (95). We can approach the Word of God with different attitudes. We can seek them out, study them, ponder them or meditate in them. The versatility of the scriptures has no limits, whatever our needs are, they can be met in God’s Word. We will never get bored with God’s precepts for “Your commandment is exceedingly broad” (96). You can read the same portion of scripture many times and each time it can bring a different blessing and application to your life. Your attitude and need at the time will determine what you receive from the Word of God as you read it. This is only possible by the work of the Holy Spirit as He guides us into all truth. He is the One who takes the written Word of God and applies it to our heart. He is the Divine Comforter and one of His primary tools is the Word of God.