Have you ever wondered, “Why should I pay attention to what God’s Word says?” It seems like more and more people want to downplay the Bible, water down the message, and possibly even disregard it all together. Today’s passage gives us good reason not to do this.
This the second reading in the category, “Listening to God’s Word.” Look at the reasons the psalmist gives us in the first eleven verses! Read those a couple of times! I don’t know about you, but seeing the great benefits is very enticing. Reviving the soul and bringing joy are only two of these nuggets we’re entitled to.
I know for me, picking up God’s word is like an adventure complete with a treasure map! I love how I feel like I’ve had a conversation with God after I read his word. I didn’t always get such a thrill from reading God’s Word. I remember trudging through my confirmation lesson, wondering what does all of this mean for me? I was always asking God, “Why am I here?”
God had a plan for my life, and I sure wanted to know what it was! Looking back, I walked through some unremarkable things as well as some horrific things. Of course, there have been plenty of wonderful, “I can’t believe that just happened” kind of moments, too. Put together, these experiences have molded me into the person I am today. I am finally beginning to see how God is using all these experiences in some way.
Take some time to look back over your own life experiences. Do you see any patterns? Do you see times where you strayed from God? How about those times when God carried you?
If you’ve ever wished you had an instruction manual for life, you have one in your hands. The Bible! We can learn so much from God’s word. It’s up to us to open the book, read, and reflect.
You may be like the psalmist, too. He seems to feel a bit unworthy, questioning his sinfulness. How about those times when we sin and don’t even know it? “How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.” Ask God to cleanse you.
After all, we do want to be good people, don’t we? We are all sinful, but we shouldn’t use that as a crutch or an excuse. We are forgiven and free because of what Jesus did for us. That is a truth we can rely on that the psalmist didn’t have.
The psalmist closes this reading with a line I often heard my husband use before he preached. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” Can you imagine what the world would look like if everyone started their day reciting that prayer? We can start the trend, can’t we?
Let’s pray. Father, you are my rock and my redeemer. Thank you for giving me your Word to get to know you and how you want for me to live. Forgive me for times when I have rebelled or sinned without even knowing it. May everything I say and do glorify you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
