Tag: psalm

Back to Basics: God’s Word – Psalm 119:105

A new year is an opportunity to start some things over again. People set goals for the coming year by making New Year’s resolutions. The most common resolutions are related to health and being healthy. Ultimately the goal of resolutions is to live a happy life. One question we must ask for the coming year is “How to be driven by the Lord this year?” As the Word of God leads us we will give God glory and gain happiness.

Based on Psalm 119:105, God’s word, the Bible, is the ultimate spiritual guide. The word of God is essential to guide us through this dark and wicked world. 

“Your word” This is not man’s word but Yahweh’s word (Psalm 119:57). God’s word is unshakeable and stands strong in heaven (Psalm 119:89). 

”Your” refers to Yahweh. Who is Yahweh? He is God, the one true and living Creator of all things. He is not merely cosmic energy or a source of positive vibes, but a real, personal God who desires to communicate with His people. Unlike Allah or the concept of karma, Yahweh embodies both mercy and justice. He alone has Jesus, the Son, through whom He offers us mercy we do not deserve while addressing the punishment we do deserve. Forgiveness is found only through Jesus Christ, as Yahweh is the only true God. His righteous and holy nature makes Him completely trustworthy, and we can have full confidence in what He says.

Five reasons God’s Word is a lamp

The Bible is inspired by God or God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). This means when Scripture speaks God speaks. The Bible was written by men but God is the author. Over 40 authors over hundreds of years, God used men as they were, with their style and in their context to produce divinely authoritative and inerrant writings. Today, we have the complete Bible, the divine revelation of God, which is a great privilege and blessing to us. The doctrine of inspiration results in the following:

  • God’s word is authoritative because God is God who dwells in heaven and has all authority (Isaiah 1:2). Example: God said, “Let there be light” and there was light (Gen 1:3). God’s word has authority over all circumstances and is relevant in every part of our lives (Luke 5:5).
  • God’s word is sufficient. It is enough to save us from hell and all other situations (2 Tim 3:15). There is deliverance in God’s word. Not just for salvation but it is all we need for growth and sanctification.
  • God’s word is inerrant. There is no wrong in any part of the Bible in its original form. “Inerrancy signifies the quality of being free from all falsehood or mistakes and so safeguards the truth that Holy Scripture is entirely true and trustworthy in all its assertions.“ – Chicago Statement. The Bible is not a scientific book or philosophy book but whenever it does speak on those subjects it is accurate. God never lies, therefor the Bible as God’s word never lies
  • God’s word is infallible. This means there are no mistakes or flaws in the Bible. It is without error and will not lead you to any error. Psalm 119:7 explains “The Law of Yahweh is perfect, restoring the soul. The testimony of Yahweh is sure, making wise the simple.“
  • God’s word is effective. Effective means having the power to cause or produce. God’s word bears fruit. This is because God’s word is alive and active accomplishing its purpose in the hearts of men (Hebrews 4:12). The Gospel of Jesus is not just words but the power of God to transform the dead to life (1 Thess 1:5).

If God’s word is the above things to you, and you hold onto the Word of God, then you will be able to navigate the unknowns of the upcoming year. 

“Lamp to my feet and light to my path”

One of the aspects of modern society, since the invention of electricity, is that we have lights everywhere, inside and out. It’s never really dark. King David wrote this psalm in ancient times, long before electricity, when there were no lights in the fields where he shepherded or in the caves he hid while running away from King Saul. In those dark moments, the Word of God is our light. Try driving your car on a dark road without headlights. It is terrifying. Light is so important to see at night. The Word of God shows us the way. When we are anxious or worried, we can find the light of God in His word and trust in Him (Psalm 42:5). God’s word provides hope and strength. 

This world is completely lost in darkness. Jesus is the light but the world did not know Him (John 1:9). The light had come but they couldn’t recognize who Jesus is because they were blind. So they hated the light and eventually murdered Jesus. God’s word is the light that shines on our path. We all walk a different path with different circumstances. Our paths are full of danger, especially since we have chosen to enter through the narrow gate. There are many falsehoods and temptations we encounter every day. So we must rely on God’s word as our light to deal with all the things we face.

We follow Jesus and His word. The Word of God illuminates us and helps us understand (Psalm 1:1-3). We understand that as we avoid the way of the wicked and pursue God’s word, then we will be joyful, content, and strong in God. 

Therefore, we must read. Make this your New Year’s resolution. To know and understand God’s word, first, we must read. 

Happy is the man who possesses a Bible. Happier still is he who reads it! Happiest of all is he who not only reads it but obeys it and makes it the rule of his faith and practice. – J. C. Ryle

If you do not read, then you do not love God. Read the Bible to know God and obey it to love Him. Understand that the Bible will be God’s judgment, and it is dangerous to ignore what it says. So read to know who He is and how to walk the righteous path. The Word of God is free to all and inexhaustible. It has a word for everyone, young and old. I pray we may all read the Bible daily, diligently, and faithfully.

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Better Way to Thank the Lord – Psalm 97:12

Life without thanksgiving is described as tragic, as gratitude to God is central to a fulfilling life. The act of giving thanks, regardless of life’s circumstances, draws God’s attention and enriches life with blessings. The Apostle Paul’s encouragement to be thankful in all things (1 Thess. 5:18) highlights the transformative power of a grateful heart.

During the Thanksgiving holiday, people often focus on worldly blessings. However, Christians are called to make Thanksgiving more meaningful by prioritizing gratitude to God above all else. Remembering His holy name and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in understanding Jesus’ teachings (John 14:26) ensures that our gratitude glorifies God.

The sacredness of Yahweh’s name underscores His holiness. Historically, scribes demonstrated deep reverence for God’s name, emphasizing His set-apart nature. Yahweh revealed Himself as “I AM,” and Jesus Christ, as Yahweh in human form, manifested the fullness of God’s identity, showing His divine nature and mission.

God’s holiness sets Him apart as utterly unique and perfect (Exodus 15:11). Without Scripture, humanity would remain unaware of His true nature. Even righteous figures like Isaiah, who encountered God directly, were profoundly aware of their own sinfulness in the presence of His holiness (Isaiah 6:5). The seraphim’s proclamation, “Holy, holy, holy, is Yahweh of hosts” (Isaiah 6:3), captures the unmatched purity of God.

Recognizing God’s holiness leads to an awareness of human sinfulness. His perfect standard exposes the severity of sin, which is destructive and leads to death (Romans 3:20). Yet, through His grace, God’s holiness brings people to repentance and forgiveness, transforming lives and enabling believers to love Him and live in righteousness.

Holiness and happiness are deeply connected, as true joy is found in pursuing holy things. When people seek unholy pursuits, they often find misery instead of fulfillment. God’s holiness brings redemption and aligns believers with His purposes, leading to growing happiness and sanctification as they walk with Him.

Many misunderstand holiness, seeing it as stern or joyless. Jonathan Edwards highlighted this misconception, noting how holiness is wrongly viewed as unpleasant. However, pursuing holiness brings ultimate happiness, as it allows believers to see God (Matthew 5:8). Holiness begins with salvation and grows through sanctification, culminating in glorification as believers obey God’s Word.

True thanksgiving extends beyond material blessings to appreciating spiritual blessings. By remembering God’s holy name and living by faith, Christians cultivate daily communion with Him. Gratitude flows from recognizing His holiness and grace, enriching life with spiritual depth and eternal joy.

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