Because the fear of the Lord endures forever and the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous in every way (Psalm 19:9), the Scriptures are powerful. In Psalm 19:7-8, David identifies four unique ways that God’s dynamic written word can powerfully impact your life.
The perfect word of God has the power to convert. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul” (v. 7). The spiritual U turn which delivers from the power of darkness and translates into the kingdom of the Son occurs when your soul is purified in obeying the truth, “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Peter 1:23). When such a conversion occurs, a soul has been saved from death and a multitude of sins have been properly covered by the blood of God’s Lamb (James 5:19-20).
The sure word of God has the power to impart wisdom. “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (v.7). Though evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived, a continual adherence to the Holy Scriptures will make one wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:13-15). The fear of the Lord—the essential cornerstone of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10)—is explicitly and continuously taught in God’s word.
The righteous word of God has the power to rejoice the heart. “The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart” (v. 8). The Ethiopian eunuch resumed his chariot ride home with a rejoicing heart (Acts 8:39) after he had obeyed God’s word from the heart. The Philippian jailer and all his household rejoiced because they had promptly obeyed what Paul and Silas had told them to do when he asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30-34). Joy erupts and percolates within your heart when God is obeyed; His righteous word always gives the correct instruction on what you must do to please Him and thus savor the delicious fruit of joy.
The pure word of God has the power of enlightenment. “The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes” (v. 8). The Scriptures were written for our learning (Romans 15:4) and admonition (1 Corinthians 10:11). They expose the thoughts and intents of the human heart, thus enlightening the careful reader to an accurate insight into God and His perfect character, Satan and his devious devices, and the foibles of human nature. Armed with this enlightenment, you know that no temptation you encounter is unique and that God is faithful in times of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). “Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:7-8).
“My heart stands in awe of Thy word” (Psalm 119:161).
