I think every follower of Jesus would agree that life is hard. In fact, I’m fairly certain that anyone, Jesus follower or not, would agree that life is hard. There are some moments in life that are incredibly confusing. There are some moments in life that are incredibly painful… and there are some moments that are equally joyful. Couple living in a fallen, sinful world with our own sinful desires and struggles and we’ve got a real mess. It is, hopefully, our desire as believers to bring God honor in every situation and circumstance in life (1 Corinthians 10:31).
But, sometimes, we honestly don’t know how… or want to honor God in every situation. We have hundreds of choices and decisions to make each day on an equal number of issues. How do we live for God if our world is falling apart? How do we honor Him in pain? How do we break sins’ cycles in our own lives in order to “walk worthy” before the Lord (Eph 4:1)? When our souls are exhausted and weary, how do we find the strength and joy to be the people God wants us to be? How do we treat our spouses? How do we raise godly children? How do we respond to those who mistreat us? What do we do when we don’t know what to do? Where do we turn when we don’t know where to turn? What do we do when we are hurt, mistreated, angry, frustrated, confused, stuck in sin, defeated and a million other questions we have about life?
Christian, there is hope! I believe that hope rests in God’s Word. Consider James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach [dishonor] and it will be given him.” Consider also 2 Peter 1:3, “Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” Dear Christian, God, by His divine power, has already given us ALL we need to live a Godly life, and when we are unsure about how to proceed, all we need to do is ask Him. There is hope!
In Psalm 119:128 the author says, “Therefore all your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right: I hate every false way.” The psalmist seems to be saying that ALL that is in the Scriptures is RIGHT. It is ALL GOOD. All the commands and all the principles… concerning ALL things are good! God’s Word is complete. In every area of life, the Bible is relevant and true and good. God has given us EVERYTHING we need for LIFE and GODLINESS in His exhaustive Word. Does that mean that the Bible speaks directly to every specific situation and circumstance? No. But what it does mean is that the Biblical principles and worldview do apply to every choice, situation and circumstance. The Bible is the ultimate resource, the ultimate counselor. We can always trust the Bible in every situation in life to show us how to make the wise choice, the right choice. Psalms 19 powerfully summarizes this truth.
Psalm 19:7-11 shows us the completeness of God’s Word.
I was recently reading Scripture and Counseling: God’s Word for Life in a Broken World. Following is a summary of chapter 2, where authors Paul Tautges and Steve Viars use Psalm 19:7-11 to show us the completeness of God’s Word.
1. The Bible restores the soul.
Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;
God’s Word gives us testimony of Jesus. The completed work of Jesus means salvation for all those who believe (Romans 10:9-13). Through Jesus alone we have been made right with God and have become new people (2 Corinthians 5:17, 18). Our sins have been forgiven and we have been made clean/pure (1 John 1:9). The Bible also teaches, corrects, disciplines and trains God’s children for right thinking and right living (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
2. The Bible makes simple-minded people wise.
Psalm 19:7 The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
The Bible is meant to be read and understood. God has given us this Treasure so that through its pages we can find life and truth. In its pages we can learn how to live wisely. As we spend time in God’s Word, the Holy Spirit teaches us and gives us wisdom and discernment. God’s Word teaches us how to love and live in all knowledge and discernment (Philippians 1:9). Christian, God’s Word is a gold mine of wisdom (Proverbs 8:10-11). Wise living and decision making is found in God’s Word.
3. The Bible brings joy to the heart.
Psalm 19:8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
Joy comes from walking in the Lord (Galatians 5:22). There is joy in obedience, suffering, persecution, belief, sacrifice. Despite our current situation, the Holy Spirit produces joy in the life of the believer who walks closely with Him. The Bible brings joy to the believer as the Words of God speak Truth into our hearts and minds. Joyful is he who delights in God’s Word (Psalm 1).
4. The Bible enlightens the eyes of the heart.
Psalm 19:8 The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
Through the Bible, the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to the world around us. To the real effects of sin. To the goodness of God and His salvation. To the hurts and needs of others and to the needs of our own souls. Because the Bible is pure and clean, we can begin to discern, with enlightened eyes, those things that are not pure and clean.
5. The Bible endures forever.
Psalm 19:9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
God’s Word does not change because God does not change (Malachi 3:6, James 1:17)! The Bible has and will continue to stand the test of time. Science is absolutely certain, until it changes. Philosophy is absolutely certain, until it changes. Psychology is absolutely certain, until it changes. However, the Bible is absolutely certain, PERIOD.
6. The Bible sanctifies the life.
Psalm 19:9 The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” God is sanctifying (setting apart, changing, making different) His children through the truth of His Word. He is continually conforming us into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).
7. The Bible is most precious.
Psalm 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
The Bible is a well spring of life and wisdom. It teaches believers how to live. The Bible has revealed to us the plan of God for His people and His love for us. Because of God’s Word, we know about His Son and the richness of the gift of salvation. God speaks directly to us through It. For these reasons, and many more, we are to seek after God’s Word. We are to desire it more than the richest gold or any temporary treasure for it truly is far more valuable (Psalm 119:72, 1 Peter 1:7).
8. The Bible warns of the consequences of disobedience.
Psalm 19:11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
The Bible warns us of disobedience and its consequences. First, to the believer, James 1:13-15 tells us that sin begins in our hearts (our own desires). Dr. Brent Aucoin says, “We do what we do because we want what we want.” And when our sin is ‘fully grown’ it leads to death. In the wake of sin is destruction! Secondly to the unbeliever, rejection of Jesus is death and hell (Romans 6:23).
9. The Bible promises reward to those who obey.
Psalm 19:11 And in keeping them there is great reward.
The Bible tells us of the benefits of obedience to God. By following God’s truth, we avoid certain pitfalls, consequences and pain (to ourselves and to others). Obedience is ALWAYS the wise choice! The ultimate reward of obedience, however, is pleasing the heart of our Father.
Believer, life can sometimes be overwhelming. But, rest assured, God’s Word is true. It is right. It is pure. It is everlasting. God has given the Bible to His people, so that in its pages we have EVERYTHING we need to live a Godly life. The Bible is enough!
To God be the Glory!
