Why should we listen to God’s Word? The psalmist gives us eleven verses full of reasons and benefits. We can’t really deny any of these descriptions. Yet it’s almost as if they are shared in defense of God’s Word, as if God’s Word were under attack. I see evidence of such an attack all these years later, don’t you?
Some people view the Bible as a book of rules or just a collection of words. It’s much more than that. The psalmist uses words like “instructions,” “decrees,” “commandments,” “commands,” “laws,” and “a warning.” Those are some direct and descriptive words. What a good reason to pay attention! For those of us who have always wanted an “Instruction Guide for Life,” we need look no further.
Before we rebel over something or question whether these “laws” are for us, this passage tells us to take a step back. The psalmist also says in Scripture we’ll find perfection, insight, joy, purity, fairness, and great reward. To me, God’s Word is his gift to us to reveal his character and what pleases him as well as his desires for us as followers trusting in Him. I’m happy to be a “rule follower” to please God if that’s what the world thinks.
The more time you spend in God’s Word, the more you get to know God and the story that shapes your life. As believers, we are all infused in God’s story, receiving the redemption and forgiveness we don’t deserve but receive anyway. That’s called grace, and it is all we need.
In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul describes a message he received from God in a vision, “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” When you are feeling weak or your faith is being tested, remember this verse. Maybe guilt is creeping up on you about something that happened long ago. Remember this verse is a message from God. Let God’s power and grace work in you.
The psalmist did not trust his own weakness. We can probably relate to doubts and distractions. The last few verses of this psalm turn into a prayer. We can make this our prayer, too. “Cleanse me from these hidden faults.” God knows our hearts, so he knows our faults, each misstep, and particularly the musings of our sinful minds.
God’s Word illuminates those sinful tendencies we all have so that we know to ask for cleansing. God wants to restore his relationship with us so we don’t let our sins destroy us. Making the decision to focus on what God wants for us is the first step. Reading and revering His Word helps us get on board with God’s plan for our lives.
Verse 14 is one of my favorites. I remember my husband, who is a pastor, using this as a prayer before he would preach a sermon. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” How different would this world look if everyone wanted to please the Lord? Make this verse your prayer as you go out into the world. Think about this. How the world sees us may be the only Bible they ever encounter.
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.
