#12--The Power of the Word
Psalm 119 is the longest in the Bible. This psalm speaks of the power of God's Word and the blessings of studying the Bible. A study of God's Word fills a person's heart-hunger to know more about God. The examples of past saints and sinners found in God's Word reveal how one should act in a given situation and reassures one that there is always hope in God.
Ps. 119:30—I have chosen the way of truth; Thy judgments have I laid before me.
When a person makes Jesus his Lord and Savior, the Scriptures show that person how to obey and please God. The Scriptures direct our actions and give us a standard of accountability.
Ps. 119:34—Give me understanding, and I shall keep Thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart,
Man must have the eyes of his understanding opened (Ep. 1:18)to gain spiritual insight. It was through the guidance of the Holy Spirit that the Scriptures were given, and the Holy Spirit alone can reveal the true meaning of the Scriptures.
Ps. 119:4l--Let thy mercy come unto me, 0 Lord, even Thy salvation, according to Thy Word.
The Bible testifies to man's need for a Savior. God's provision for one is given through Jesus. The Old Testament points to | Jesus' coming. The New Testament tells of the fulfillment of Jesus' sacrificial, atoning death and resurrection. All man needs to know concerning salvation is in the Bible.
Ps. 119:49--Remember the Word unto Thy servant, upon which Thou has caused me to hope.
People can stand in faith and have hope because of the Scriptures. The Scriptures contain promises, which God will activate within one's spirit. These promises include all aspects of salvation and give purpose and meaning to one's life. God is not a man who would lie or break His promises (Nu. 23:19, Heb 6:17-18, Titus 1:2).
Ps. 119:58-I intreated Thy favor with my whole heart; be merciful unto me according to Thy Word.
The Bible declares that Jesus came and died so "that whosoever believed in Him should not perish" (John 3:16). The Bible says salvation is not based upon income, social standing, or race, but on repenting and calling upon Jesus.
Ps. 119:71—It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes.
Suffering has a positive effect when it forces us to seek God through prayer, studying, and meditating upon the Word of God. We then can receive the blessings of obedience instead of the curse of disobedience.
Ps. 119:80—Let my heart be sound in Thy statutes; that I should not be ashamed.
As one grows in a proper understanding and knowledge of the Bible, a person is equipped to avoid the hidden snares and temptations that Satan places before one.
Ps. 119:81-My soul fainteth for Thy salvation: but I hope in Thy Word.
During times of great trials and in the spiritual deserts one must cross, the Word provides comfort and hope, encouraging one to persevere until God's solution and help are manifested.
Ps. 119:89—Forever, 0 Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven.
God's Word is true and unchanging; nothing can happen to alter or destroy It. Since It is unalterable, man can rely on Its honesty, authority, and durability.
Ps. 119:104-Through Thy precepts, I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way.
The Word of God alone reveals the truth of every situation and gives insight into motives. As one's love for the Word and Its righteousness s righteousness and truth increases, other false teachings and dogmas appear more and more cheap and ugly,
Ps. 119:105-Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto and a light unto my path.
The Word of God teaches us how to act in every situation to experience abundant life. It reveals people's true motives and shows us how to act and what decisions to make.
Ps. 119:114—Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in Thy Word.
In times of distress, the Word of God provides hope, comfort, and healing to a hurting person. It includes encouragement that trials and sorrows will pass. The Word also gives peace by providing an eternal perspective and promises one can depend upon.
Ps. 119:124—Deal with Thy servant according unto Thy mercy, and teach me Thy statutes.
While the Bible confirms that all men deserve death, the Bible also reveals God's desire to save humanity from destruction. One way God shows mercy to s is through the warning and directives in His Word.
Ps. 119:141—I am small and despised: yet I do not forget Thy precepts.
No matter how bleak one's present existence appears, one can meditate on the Word of God. As one walks in God's precepts, one can receive the blessings of God upon his own life. God's Word provides hope to all who believe I
Ps. 119:152—Concerning Thy testimonies, I have known of old that 'Thou hast founded them forever.
The Scripture is eternal. Whatever man's attitude toward the Scripture, It is unchanging.
Ps. 119:160—Thy Word is true from the beginning: and every one of Thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
God's Word has been factual and without error forever, and God's purposes, judgments, and declarations will never be altered. Man can rely on God's truthfulness and that God will not change.
Ps. 119:165—Great peace have they which love Thy Law: and nothing shall offend then.
Studying and relying on God's Word gives one eternal assurance of his place with God and an eternal perspective that temporary problems can not disrupt.
Ps. 119:174—I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and Thy Law is my delight.
As one desires to know God and have a relationship with Him, His Word brings joy. The Word brings one closer to God and reveals God to those who choose to know Him.
