Discovering wonderful truths from God’s word
I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Psalm 119:14-18
When Christians are asked about their idea of the Bible, they will respond that they love the idea about it but regarding what it says, there are those who do not have a clue. They want to have the Bible nearby but seldom find the time to read or meditate on it. We would like to talk about it similar to our excitement of losing calories, yet we are not taking the time to read it or just like in losing weight, we are not dying to wake up early to exercise each day. This is not the case with the Psalmist from the text. For him, to experience the strength that comes from the Lord meant spending time to read His word. For the Psalmist, to meditate on God’s word is to know more about God. “I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions” (Psalm 119:55). When the word of God was read before the Israelites after the dedication of the wall that was rebuilt during the time of Nehemiah, they realized how much they have neglected God’s word and they wept. Then Nehemiah consoled them with these words, “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10). The Psalmist’s expression of his rejoicing because of the word of God that he reflects on was not something to be looked upon as a model of extraordinary Christianity. His attitude should be understood as someone who is just in love with the Lord and finds His word as a gift from Him. Without God’s instructions, it will be difficult for us to understand afflictions and sufferings in life. “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees” (Psalm 119:71). In God’s word, we are instructed how we could be victorious over sin. “Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil” (Psalm 119:133). In His word, we find comfort when we go through trials in life. “Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles” (Psalm 119:50). Let the prayer of the Psalmist be our prayers; “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.” God gave us His word so we can have a regular fellowship with Him. Let us find the time to meditate on His word. “Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide” (Psalm 119:97-98).
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
