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Responding to God’s Word Only Makes Sense

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Skimming through Psalm 119, we find many different kinds of responses to God’s Word that make sense only if we grasp these truths:

Respond to God’s Word with Our Whole Being

Responding to the Word Only Makes Sense Since it Lights Our Way
The psalmist understood the importance and power of Scripture. He therefore responded with the whole of his being as seen in the following references.

MIND:

look upon (Ps. 119:6)
meditate on (Ps. 119:15, 23, 27, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148)
regard (Ps. 119:15, 117)
remember / not forget (Ps. 119:16, 52, 61, 83, 93, 109, 141, 153, 176)
behold (Ps. 119:18)
place before me (Ps. 119:30)
learn (Ps. 119:7, 71, 73)
know (Ps. 119:79, 125, 152)
consider (Ps. 119:95)

HEART:

treasure (Ps. 119:11)
rejoice in/at (Ps. 119:14,162)
delight in (Ps. 119:16, 24, 35, 47, 70, 77, 92, 143, 174)
cling to (Ps. 119:31)
trust in (Ps. 119:42)
wait for (Ps. 119:43, 74, 81, 114, 147)
seek (Ps. 119:45)
love (Ps. 119:47-48, 97, 113, 119, 127, 140, 159, 163, 165, 167)
lift up my hands to … shows that we honor or exalt it (Ps. 119:48)
hope (Ps. 119:49)
believe in (Ps. 119:66)
incline to (Ps. 119:36, 112)
fear (Ps. 119:120)
esteem right (Ps. 119:128)
stand in awe of (Ps. 119:161
praise (Ps. 119:164, 171, 175)

WILL:

run the way of (Ps. 119:32)
not turn aside from (Ps. 119:51, 102, 157)
turn my feet to (Ps. 119:59)
not forsake (Ps. 119:87)
not go astray from (Ps. 119:110)
choose (Ps. 119:30, 173)

MOUTH:

tell of (Ps. 119:13)
give thanks (Ps. 119:7, 62)
praise (Ps. 119:164, 171, 175)
sing of (Ps. 119:172)

ACTION:

walk in (Ps. 119:1, 35)
observe (Ps. 119:2, 22, 33, 34, 56, 69, 100, 115, 129, 145)
keep (Ps. 119:4-5, 8, 17, 34, 44, 55, 57, 60, 63, 67, 88, 101, 106, 134, 146, 167-168)
incline heart to perform (Ps. 119:36)
do (Ps. 119:166)

When we truly grasp the significance of God’s Word, we respond both internally and externally.

Observations about Responding to God’s Word based on Psalm 119

Look above under the list of how the psalmist responded in ways associated with his mind. He referenced meditating on and remembering (not forgetting) the most. — If we don’t keep the Word ever before us, we will find it too easy to forget its benefits and lose out on its power in our lives.

Under the list of heart responses, delighting in and loving it occur many more times. — If we don’t delight in or love His Word, we will undoubtedly fail to respond in the other ways, like trusting and obeying it.

Notice the large number of occurrences under the action list of observing and keeping. Both of those words signify watching over or guarding much like they would have kept watch over a vineyard or flock. — If we don’t consistently trust God to use His Word, we will likely let down our guard and not reap the benefits of His Word.

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Since God is True to His Word, Then . . .

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God always was and always will be true to His Word
Read through Scripture and you’ll find a faithful God who is capable of keeping His Word. God always was and always will be true to His Word for “the Word of our God endures forever” (Isa. 40:8).

How God is Faithful to His Word

God responds in accordance with His Word as He accomplishes His purposes. The Psalmist therefore prayed …

Remember the word to Your servant, in which You have made me hope. (Ps. 119:49)

My soul weeps because of grief; Strengthen me according to Your word. (Ps. 119:28)

Let my supplication come before You; Deliver me according to Your word. (Ps. 119:170)

God makes it possible for us to understand and live by His Word. The Psalmist therefore prayed …

Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law. (Ps. 119:18)

Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, and I shall observe it to the end. (Ps. 119:33)

Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law and keep it with all my heart. (Ps. 119:34)

Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it. (Ps. 119:35)

Incline my heart to Your testimonies … (Ps. 119:36)

Establish Your word to Your servant, as that which produces reverence for You. (Ps. 119:38)

Establish my footsteps in Your word, and do not let any iniquity have dominion over me. (Ps. 119:133)

Uphold me that I may be safe, that I may have regard for Your statutes continually. (Ps. 119:117)

Since God is True to His Word, What Does That Mean for Us?

Reflect on these implications:

Take God at His Word and pray accordingly. If God establishes a certain way, He will work through it. -— Let’s not disregard God’s ways and purposes just because we can’t see how it will work in our situation.

Interpret circumstances through His Word. God’s provision for us will line up with what He’s already set forth in His Word. — Let’s not expect Him to do something for us that isn’t “according to” His Word.

Trust God to help you, and those you serve, follow His Word. He’s the One who must enlighten us to understand. — Let’s not interpret Scripture based on our own understanding and preferences.

We follow the Word because “all Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Tim. 3:16). The Author is always dependable and always true so we can count on His Word to be the same.

 

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God’s Word Benefits Us Today

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God's Word Benefits Us Today
Some may question the relevance of a Book written long ago for us today. The Bible claims to be a useful tool to not only show us the way for eternal salvation but also to equip us to navigate life (2 Tim. 3:15-17). Read through Psalm 119 to see some specific ways Scripture benefits us as a source of power for our good. God’s Word provides so much of what we need for our everyday living and ministry.

How the Word Benefits Us According to Psalm 119

Here’s a list of what Scripture does for us from Psalm 119:

keeps our ways pure (Ps. 119:9)
prevents us from sinning (Ps. 119:11)
counsels us (Ps. 119:24)
enlarges our heart (Ps. 119:32)
produces reverence for God (Ps. 119:38)
revives us (Ps. 119:50)
provides comfort (Ps. 119:50, 52, 76)
helps us stand in affliction (Ps. 119:92)
makes us wise (Ps. 119:98)
gives us insight and understanding (Ps. 119:99, 100, 104)
lights our way (Ps. 119:105, 130)
sustains us (Ps. 119:116)
provides great peace (Ps. 119:165)
keeps us from stumbling (Ps. 119:165)
helps us (Ps. 119:175)

Who doesn’t need the above benefits today? The Word provides just what we need, when we need it. Even the same familiar passage can minister to us in different ways at different times. Why? — Because God, who is faithful and true, powerfully works through His Word.

Responding to the Relevant Power of God’s Word

When we understand all God’s Word does for us, we will exclaim, with the psalmist:

Your testimonies also are my delight; They are my counselors. (Ps. 119:24)

How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (Ps. 119:103)

I have inherited Your testimonies forever, For they are the joy of my heart. (Ps. 119:111)

Need Help on Where to Begin? Go To: New to Bible Bible Reading Discipleship Tool

Want Other Resources to Help Study the Word? Go To: Resources for Bible Study

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Disciplined But Not Forgotten

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We live in a world where people seem to think they can do whatever they wish, even that which clearly violates God’s commands, and get away with it. Even many who say they believe in God fall prey to the line of thinking that God didn’t really mean what He said about sin and its consequences. He won’t discipline us. After all, they reason, He is a God of love and grace. If God disciplines us, then He must be a mean God, they reason, rather than a loving One.

Would a Loving God Really Discipline Us?

Absolutely! God explains it this way:

And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. (Heb. 12:5-6) If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. (Heb. 12:8)

The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves and Doesn't Forget Them
God wants more than happy people. He wants holy people, those whose righteous character enables them to truly love Him and others (Matt. 22:37-40) and be at peace with themselves. And so we read, “… God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Heb. 12:10-11)

When we properly react to His discipline, we come out better. God restores us. That’s not the objective of a mean God, of a God who is simply out to get us by making us suffer consequences for sin. That’s the intent of a God who deeply cares and loves us beyond measure.

Example of Being Disciplined But Not Forgotten

Read through the Old Testament and you’ll find God’s people, Judah, constantly turning away from God to follow after the gods of the nations surrounding them. Yet, God had clearly commanded them that they should have no other gods before Him or make idolatrous images, worshiping them. He also stressed consequences of disobeying this command. (See Exodus 20:1-6.)

Judah suffered consequences for their sin but then God sent judges to lead them back to Himself. When a judge died, however, they reverted back to their sinful ways and so the cycle continued. God sent prophets to warn them but they persisted in their rebellion. They had to suffer more severe consequences, so God sent them into exile to Babylon for seventy years.

Read what God told them:

This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” (Jer. 29:10-14)

That’s a loving God!! He may discipline His people, but He doesn’t forget them. When we undergo hardships, let’s look at it from God’s perspective. If we fight against Him and the means He’s using to work in our lives, we could miss out on the good He desires to bring us. — “…do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” (Prov. 3:11-12) “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Cor. 7:10)

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About the Armor of God

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Put on the Full Armor of God
A previous post reminded us that while God uses the armor mentioned in Ephesians 6, He is the Source of power, protection, and deliverance. The armor represents aspects of Himself that we need to put on. Note that we “put on” the armor. We don’t have what it takes within ourselves. Only God is great enough to overcome the evil one (1 Jn. 4:4).

Satan’s Ploys Can’t Stand Against the Armor of God

The various pieces of armor of God help us stand against different aspects of Satan and his ploys.

belt of truth

Satan is the father of lies, with no truth in him (Jn. 8:44). When we stand with God’s truth securely holding us together, we’re set free (Jn. 8:32). We’re enabled to find the truth in situations and lovingly speak the truth (Eph. 4:15, 25-27).

breastplate of righteousness

Satan is the evil one (1 Jn. 5:18-19) trying to pull our hearts into sinful desires (1 Thess. 3:5). Remembering that the Lord’s righteousness has been imputed to us (2 Cor. 5:21), we stand shielded behind Him. We put on the new self (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10), created in Christ Jesus, knowing that it isn’t up to us to live righteously, but rather because of what He’s done for us.

feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace

Satan seeks to divide and destroy (2 Cor. 2:10-11; 1 Pet. 5:8). We have a message of peace and deliverance from sin, death, and the devil (Rom. 16:20; 1 Cor. 15:55-57; Heb. 2:14-15). The Gospel is the power of God that brings salvation” (Rom. 1:16).

shield of faith

Satan barrages us with darts meant to cause our hearts to doubt. We stand behind and put our confidence in the Overcomer, who is greater than all forces of evil (1 Jn. 4:4; 5:4).

helmet of salvation

Satan attacks our minds, trying to distort our view of God (2 Cor. 11:3). With divine weaponry, we’re able to take those thoughts captive (2 Cor. 10:4-5), with the hope that one day we will see our Lord in the fullness of who He is (1 Thess. 5:8) and be rid of these distractions.

sword of the Spirit

Satan tries to get to us when we’re vulnerable, appealing to our flesh to meet our needs apart from God, like he did with Jesus (Matt. 4:1-11). We can stand offensively with the Word of God, as Jesus did, to ward off the schemes of the evil one. By regularly using God’s Word to navigate through this world, we’re able to discern between good and evil (Heb. 5:14).

Do you want victory over spiritual battles?

“Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground” (Eph. 6:13). Acknowledge what He’s already done for you, being clad in His truth, righteousness, and gospel deliverance. Then you’ll be ready to take up that shield of faith and hold on to the hope from His helmet of salvation. You’ll grab hold of that sword of the Spirit, His Word, knowing that you need divine weaponry to resist and stand against Satan and his forces of evil.

Church leaders, be sure to check out: God’s Power for the Church: Spiritual Weaponry

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Our Source of Strength for Spiritual Battles

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Strong in the Lord in Spiritual BattlesAccording to Ephesians 6, we need to put on the armor of God to win spiritual battles. The strength, however, isn’t found in the armor but in God. The passage begins with an exhortation to, “be strong IN THE LORD and in HIS mighty power” (Eph. 6:10). The armor isn’t the hero of this passage. God is. He precedes and provides the armor. He displays His mighty power through that which the various pieces of armor represent — truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word.

About the Source of Strength in Spiritual Battles

Yes, “put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph. 6:11) and “so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground” (Eph. 6:13). The armor holds an important place in securing victory but must always link back to it being the “armor OF GOD”. Remember these truths:

  • The armor is merely protective gear. — The Lord is the Protector. (Ps. 32:7; Jn. 17:11, 15; 2 Thess. 3:3)
  • The armor provides a means of accessing the power we need. — The Lord is the Power Source. (2 Cor. 10:4; 2 Pet. 1:3-4)
  • The armor doesn’t deliver us in the battle. — The Lord is the Deliverer. (Ps. 144:1; Prov. 21:31)

Spiritual warfare is real. We can’t fight spiritual battles on our own. The “victory belongs to the Lord” (Prov. 21:31). Put your trust in Him!

For More, Go To: Resources for the Christian’s Walk with God (look under the ‘Warfare’ tab)

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