Today’s Reading : Leviticus 16; Psalm 19; Proverbs 30; 1 Timothy 1
Last Sunday Cal Jernigan talked about our times of darkness, dryness, despair, doubt, and discipline and reminded us about the Lord being our True Vine. Eleven times in John 15 Jesus tells us to, “abide in me.” In order for us to abide, we need to submit and be patient. Reading this passage about “abiding in me” helped me to reflect on parts of Psalm 19.
Psalm 19: 7-9 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.
As I reflect on these few verses often I would think of “the law” and look at it as something that kept me from doing something or handcuffing us from fun. Except, in the case of His law that actually converts us, makes us wise, rejoices our hearts, enlightens our eyes, warns us, and rewards us. This is our law provided by Him, for us, and a way we should live.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple:
This Law of the Lord, is perfect, it provides us with the direction we need to move from our fallen state to a fulfilled eternity with Him. If our last sunrise or sunset is today, His perfect Word can revive your soul, giving you the hope you need to make it through anything. Since I have created a habit of being in the scripture daily I can not begin to explain the difference it has made in my life. It has truly strengthen my soul and state of mind. I would encourage spending time in the word throughout your day. Currently, my best time is in the morning before everyone is up with a nice cup of coffee. This time revives my soul and reminds me of His will for my day. Being revived or restored allows one to give his or her soul back to God and not try to use one’s own moral compass that often can point the wrong way. For myself when my soul is struggling during moments of the day where I try to do it all myself, I can turn to His Word and the right verse helps me in that situation. It truly breathes new life into me.The definition of sure is: confident in what one thinks or knows; having no doubt that one is right. For believers having this confidence in the Lord is different then when we didn’t have this faith. Our physical, fleeting lives have been filled with instability and change. When we are without understanding of the scripture, it can leave you unsure of everything. As my earthly, carefree, young, adult superman years fly lower; I realize it is less about me and more about Him. Life is different when you have faith in His Word. The promise He has made to us in Christian confidence is to be ready for our next life no matter when our time may be. I’m thankful for the simple and perfect example of Grace and Love our Lord poured out for all of us. At times I have and still let the world get the best of me and control my attitude and thoughts to the point where I’m trying to please everyone. This verse reminds me I need to focus on the Lord and be humble and teachable through his Word. Always continue to be a disciple. Jeremiah 17:7 says But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,whose confidence is in him.
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The Bible gives us an example of what is right and has always has been pure. Knowing the law is perfect reminds us that his precepts and decrees are founded on righteousness. Free Grace given to us sets our hearts free. His Word converts our hearts and pours out joy into everyone and everything. Our eyes that were once blind, can now see. Psalm 33:4 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. This fear of the Lord is what washes us away from sin and sanctifies our heart. God has provided us with His Word, and His commandments. He reminds us there will be a judgment for us all. The fear of the Lord is internal and lies in our heart, mind, and soul. God is never changed or shaken. He has gone before us and will never leave us. Deuteronomy 31:8.
In today’s reading we also read; Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Followed by multiple verses in 1 Timothy 1 not to teach any other doctrine and that this law was not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient. This law is good and the aim of our charge is love. Abide in the Word
Dear God,
Thank you for your law you have provided for us. Help us to use the Bible as a guideline for our life. Thank you for giving us your Word that we can go to at any moment and be in the presence of you. Thank you for giving us the light for our path that warns us of danger, and points us to the path that will lead to eternal life with God. We ask to keep us attached to the living Word throughout all our times of need.