"According to Your Word!"

“My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!" (Psalm 119:28 ESV)

Scripture is not just for our edification; it is also for strengthening. When we are struggling, no matter what the cause, we should turn to God’s word. Reading about the things God has done throughout history reminds us that we too are not alone. God is with us; the Spirit lives in us.

While the Word of God may have been spoken to the prophets, it was recorded for us, and the strength of the written word has not diminished because of that. It is just as powerful today as it was when written. The Word of God changes lives, plain and simple.

Reading the Word of God is calming. In our reflection, it helps to remember all God has done for us, most importantly, sending Christ to redeem us through His sacrifice. How much love is it that God died and resurrected Himself so that you might be saved through faith in His finished work?

How powerful is the Word of God? Paul wrote, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17). Grace comes from hearing the Word of God. God uses the Word to stir the heart, to call us to Him. It is through the Word that we receive grace, and through grace we come to faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. That is the power of the Word of God.

When we read the Bible like a story, we miss the power of the Word. Yes, it is the continuing story of one author, God, written by many scribes; however, it reveals God's majesty, power, and glory. It should leave us speechless. The things God has done throughout history are inconceivable but true. The Word of God shows us that He has limitless power. Paul also wrote, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20) Everything about God is revealed in His Word; we only need to seek Him there.

In our weakness, we seek God in His Word. We commune in prayer, and we are strengthened in Him. Paul wrote that he was given a thorn in His side, a messenger of Satan. The thorn was meant to keep Paul grounded and humble, reminding him that it is God’s strength that works through Him, not His. Paul wrote, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” We all have thorns, and they too are given to us to keep us humble before God. Our strength is in our weakness, knowing that we have God who champions us.

In your troubles, turn to God, turn to His Word. You will find the love and assurances of God that will help you as you navigate the turbulent waters of the world. If you do not know Christ, you are adrift in a massive storm: the world. You have no anchor, nor rock to cling to; we have given you the word of God. Every day, the Bible-based messages are meant to strengthen the believer and call the lost. Which are you?

If you do not know Christ, seek Him today. He awaits you; you have heard the Word - what will you do?

Grace and Peace.