Reflections on Psalm 19

Psalm 19 has really arrested my attention. I have become intrigued by the words written in verses 7-11.

"The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The command of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring for ever.
The ordinances pf the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous."

This is speaking of God's word to us. That today comes mainly through the words of the bible. The bible that is so often mocked and maligned for being out of date and condemnatory, is said here to be enduring for ever and reviving to the soul, giving joy to the heart! Not only this, but David goes on to say

"They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
By them is your servant warned:
in keeping them there is great reward."

How often do we think of the bible, the true and living word of God, as more precious than gold? How often do we consider it sweet? In reading the bible, we do read hard things, David isn't surprised, he says these things warn us. In it we find we must obey, David knows this and says when we stick to what the bible says there is great reward.

What great reward?
The reward of a life of victory over sin;
The reward of a place in heaven set aside for us;
The reward of growing to be more like Jesus as we heed what the bible says and implement it in our lives.

The bible is the final authority of what our church believes and should be doing. When resolving difficult issues biblical mandates and principles will be relied upon, not just human understanding. The same is true for us as individuals, we need to live our lives according to the principles and guidance of the bible rather than the principles and guidance of this world. To do this we need to know the word (in other words we need to read it!!!), we need to have godly counsellors (psalm 1) and we need the Holy Spirit to remind us of what scripture has to say.

I know that I want to grow in my knowledge and understanding of my God and that only comes by savouring the sweetness of the words of grace that come to me through the pages of my bible and by honouring and regarding the purity and the preciousness of it's guidance.