“Right, Reliable and Rewarding”

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

BIBLE READING: Psalm 19.7-14

Bible study is hard. Even just bible reading for that matter can be a bit onerous at times. Knowing what to read, and where to read can sometimes feel intimidating. Moreover, is not always easy to understand what is being said. Sometimes we must give extended thought and extra effort to make sense of what it says. And when we do God’s word often calls us to make changes. This process can feel like a burden. And yet many times in the Psalms, we see writers rejoicing in God’s word Why? Because they understand…

• God’s word is right (Psalm 19.8). The psalmist speaks of this quality as a state of being: God’s word IS right. We all sense righteousness but only God’s judgments are “righteous altogether” (Psalm 19.9). It does not merely suggest a way to live or principles for self-improvement like so many others. It is in fact perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (2 Timothy 3.16). However, this is more than a claim; history has revealed…
• God’s word is reliable (Psalm 19.7). “Every word of God PROVES true” (2 Samuel 22.31; [Psalm 12.6-7]; Proverbs 30.5). The language of scripture challenges the reader to consider and recognize the verity of God’s witness throughout history (Psalm 19.7b; Numbers 23.19). Time and again, the sureness and certainty of God’s teaching to us has been confirmed and fulfilled, culminating in God’s blessings through Jesus. As the psalmist says, the fear of the LORD is clean and will forever take a stand (Psalm 19.9a). It is both right and reliable meaning…  
• God’s word is rewarding (Psalm 19.7-8). It revives the soul, makes wise the simple, rejoices the heart and enlightens the eyes (Psalm 19.7-8). As difficult as it may be at times, you will always reap benefits by spending time with God’s word. It can clarify a situation, change your perspective, encourage you in weakness and humble you in pretense. It will show you what is right and true and good with no partiality. The only desire of God’s word is to direct us in the way God created us to live.

What God offers through his word is of immense value in our post-modern society. We are not subject to the whims of powers and culture to decide what is right or true. We can know this from the Maker of all things, allowing us both confidence and peace despite circumstances. But we must subject ourselves to his exposure and direction.

“Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.” (Psalm 19.12-13)

To receive what God offers we must humbly admit our limitations through confession. We must submit to God’s mercy in our hearts, minds, and activities. Ultimately, we must act in trusting obedience to God’s word. Then we will experience the peace and confidence that God offers.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19.14)

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