Make a difference – Day 18

And this is the word that was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:25

The longest psalm in the Bible is one that should be read by anyone who is serious about learning about the benefits of God’s word. It is mentioned in almost every verse. This psalm also contains the well-loved verse, “your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105), which has comforted countless people throughout the ages, as they sought guidance.

We are very blessed if God’s eternal word of truth has been preached to us. It brings light into our lives and we will always find the way.

Paul recognises that the word brings life and says, “Let the word of life dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)

What he is saying, in essence, is that we have to be in a dynamic place with the Scriptures and know them very well, so that they can influence us and our approach to every part of life. Even in worship, songs should be used that are rich in scripture, so that they can bring joy, with the focus being on the wonderful promises and truths of God’s living word.

We need to spend time with the Lord and let him speak to us as we search the Scriptures. What is the point of having the perfect wisdom of God closed up, sitting on a shelf? God created us and gave us all the principles in his law that we need for living life, in the good times and the bad. His principles never lose their wisdom, because he alone knows everything – anything else is incomplete. We lose out if we don’t learn them and put them into practice in our lives. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

God’s word is trustworthy, therefore, we can teach and admonish one another because we are using God’s values and the Spirit will reveal the truth.

In a crisis or in doubt, searching for answers from the anonymous opinions of foreign sources on the internet, or rushing out to counsellors, family or friends for suggestions, before consulting God’s word, is like shooting yourself in the foot. We stress, complicate our lives, neglect to spend time with him and soon find ourselves allowing the lies of the devil to subtly filter into our consciousness through various media; yet, his word is at hand.

Are you allowing God’s word to make a difference in your life?