WONDERFUL TRUTHS IN GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS

Psalm 119:17-24 says, "Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. I am only a foreigner in the land. Don't hide your commands from me! I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations. You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed. Don't let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws. Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees. Your laws please me; they give me wise advice." The writer of this Psalm described himself as a servant of God and a foreigner in the land where he lived. As a servant of God, he followed God by being obedient to His Word, despite the challenges of being a foreigner. As a foreigner, he did not have the same rights as citizens of the land. Often, foreigners were at a disadvantage or looked down upon. However, the writer of this Psalm understood the importance of trusting God's instructions. If anyone could rescue him from his situation, it would be God. God was the only one who could guide and protect him in this hostile environment.

God's Word is the source of our comfort in the midst of our troubles. The reason is that God's Word is where God's truths and instructions come from. God would never contradict His Word. As a result, we can depend on it. When we need guidance and directions, God often speaks through His Word. In our discouragement and confusion, the Word of God is always there to remind us of God's promises and instructions. The writer of this Psalm prayed, "Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions." We need God to open our eyes to see God's wonderful truths in His instructions so that we can know how to live and respond to our current situations. I had a situation just recently where the soccer field that is reserved for us to use for our youth was suddenly being used by another group of people. I was disappointed and concerned that they were taking our spot. And so I prayed to God to help me settle this situation, because the Bible says in 1 Peter 5:7 to give all my worries and cares to God, for He cares about me. After I prayed about it, I emailed the person who is in charge of the soccer field, and he took care of everything. 

God gave us the Bible to read and study so that we can understand His ways and get wise advice from Him. As we continue to let the Bible speak to us, we will be encouraged and strengthened with His instructions and promises.

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Who can help us in times of our needs? Why is it important for us to know God's Word? Am I reading and studying the Word of God daily? 

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for speaking to me through your Word. Please open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. I need your constant encouragement and guidance, for there are many things that I do not understand, and my strength is limited. I lift up my day to you, and please take care of all the concerns that I have today. In your name, Jesus, I pray, Amen.