The Wonderful Word

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving 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;

the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;

the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;

sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

Moreover, by them is your servant warned;

in keeping them there is great reward.

Psalm 19:7-11 ESV

If you’ve been reading along with me, you have probably figured out that I love God’s word. So it won’t surprise you when I say that I love today’s passage, which is all about the wonder of God’s word to us and its powerful work in the lives of those treasure it.

I’m tempted to dig into every aspect of Scripture that’s presented here, but that would be a very long devotional reading for one day. So, we’re going to focus in on the impacts God’s word can have on us.

Spending time with God’s word

• Revives the soul.

• Makes wise the simple.

• Rejoices the heart.

• Enlightens the eyes.

• Warns us.

• Brings rewards when we keep it.

Two of these really stand out to me today. First, I can become wise when I pay attention to what the Lord has to say (verse 7b). I need wisdom every day so I can rightly apply what I learn from Scripture to whatever situation I find myself in. So, it’s very encouraging to me to know that I can grow in wisdom. And, even better, if I need more wisdom in some area, I can just ask the Lord and He’ll give it generously. (Check out Proverbs 2:6 and James 1:5.)

Gaining wisdom is connected to the other point that stand out to me today. Keeping God’s word brings great reward (verse 11b). This is a great reminder that I need to apply what I learn using the wisdom God gives. I love studying and gaining knowledge. But if I don’t put what I learn into practice, I actually can become foolish. I need to be a doer of the word to keep growing in my faith. (James 1:22-25.)

Think About: Which aspect of God’s word stands out to you today? How does it encourage or challenge you?