“It is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going… to possess.” Deuteronomy 32:47
“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 119:7-11
“We thank God… that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
The scriptures themselves attest to the reality of their power and usefulness for all of life. God’s word, wholly inspired and without error, is complete and alive and ours for revelation of the Almighty God and rule of life. In His word we discover who He is and how He interacts with man, and by His word we are instructed, warned, sanctified, protected, and bolstered by promises. His word works out His holy, good purposes. (Psalm 119:11; John 17:17; 2 Peter 1:21; Revelation 22:18-19)
Yet, fickle man goes after many strange words. We tune in, turn on, and open up tomes of words that entertain or inform, but neither develop the soul nor feed nor direct the spirit within. Whom we listen to and what we read tells much about what we value most: God or man. Assessing our time, concentration, and allegiances helps us discern our grounding.
What priority has God’s word in our daily routine, and what difference is it making in our thoughts, attitudes, and actions? For information and direction, do we digest more commentary on a snippet of Scripture, or the actual words of God? How are we availing ourselves of its intimate work, and what is the evidence in our character and reactions?
“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you He hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.” ~George Keith (1787)
Lord, keep me delighting in Your word and yielding to its sway, that You be praised.
As the rain and snow 