“He sends out his command to the earth;
his word runs swiftly.
He gives snow like wool;
he scatters frost like ashes.
He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs;
who can stand before his cold?
He sends out his word, and melts them;
he makes his wind blow and the waters flow.
He declares his word to Jacob,
his statutes and rules to Israel.
He has not dealt thus with any other nation;
they do not know his rules.
Praise the Lord!”
“Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the Lord!
For he commanded and they were created.
And he established them forever and ever;
he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.
Praise the Lord from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and mist,
stormy wind fulfilling his word!” Psalm 147:15-20; 148:3-8
“My words… will be fulfilled in their time.” Luke 1:20
God the Creator spoke the world into being, and rules over it by His word today. Weather, boundaries, seasons all turn and hold under His wise command. Everything He breathes and says bears through its divine, intended effect. His word runs swiftly on heaven’s time to accomplish God’s perfect will on earth. Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Psalm 104:5-9; Isaiah 55:10-11; Colossians 1:16-17)
His word also should be making such a difference for us. True, it is far-reaching and over-arching in all the world, but it is personal for the intricacies of our daily living too. It runs through every narrow and turn to offer guidance, hope, honing, and wisdom for our times. (Proverbs 2:6)
First, we need exposure to it, deep soaking and grappling that immerses mind and soul. We need its truth to wash over and run through us to cleanse, refresh, nourish, and satisfy. Are we taking such intentional time, carved from days of busyness and superficial pursuits? Do we stay in its flow until we are quenched? Do we treasure it as our mind and soul’s satisfaction? (Job 23:12)
When we come to God’s word and offer ourselves a living sacrifice, we find it penetrates to divide soul and spirit and do its marvelous work of sanctification. Work of conviction, illumination, training, warning, directing. By these we are prepared for our responsibilities and interruptions, our relationships and discussions. His word suffices to keep running to meet ongoing needs, and never returns void. (Psalm 32:8; 119:11; Isaiah 50:4; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12)
Once we have God’s word feeding into us, how might we assist its running swiftly to others? Where will we proclaim it, teach it, and share its benediction? What are practical ways we can communicate its truth and beauty and blessedness? How are we living it out in obvious display, so others see it taking effect, shaping character, inspiring righteousness, and want it for themselves?
Lord, may Your word run swiftly into every part of my life to convict, adjust, and sanctify as You see fit. May it have its way in and through me unto Your glory.
As the rain and snow 