There are many people, especially those who follow Jesus, who feel as though they don’t matter. That God doesn’t really care about them. He doesn’t hear them. He is not interested in what they are going through. I beg to differ, even though at times it might seem that way. I like what Paul David Tripp says in his opening gambit in his Everyday Gospel Devotional for January 8th: “Our covenant-keeping God is a God who speaks to us. In His words we find comfort, assurance, and direction.” He goes on to write: “Every bit of wisdom I have comes from the words of his book. I found my identity in the words of his book. I was drawn to put my trust in him because of the words of his book. I have found peace during times of trial because of the words of his book. I have future hope because of the words of his book. My life has been rescued, empowered, and defined by the words of his book.”
It is easy, as I stated earlier, to feel God doesn’t care. He seems silent. I started the New Year by reading Psalms and Proverbs again. It just so happens that my reading today took me to Psalm19. Within that chapter we find the following words: “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.” (19:7-11)
Let me add a few more verses from Psalm 119. “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (v.105) “Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight.” (v.111) “Your laws are perfect and completely trustworthy.” (v.138). You will find so much more in Psalm 119.
Trust Him. Trust His Word. Trust that He has your back (and front, and side). May I suggest that you fall in love with the Author of the Book and then, in turn, fall in love with His words? It is like Peter said, “Where else can we go? You have the words of eternal life.” And, oh, to find out what happens when we disregard His words and ways and decide to do things on our own, check out Genesis 25-26 (and more).
{Note: All Scripture from the New Living Translation}
I love Psalms! Always so much wisdom within those pages, and so much clarity. Even when I feel so “out there,” I know that God cares. After all, he writes that “My ways are not like yours” (Paraphrased, of course). This year I am so putting al my trust in the Lord! Amen!
I love reading the Psalms also Ed. I am almost on a constant cycle of read, finish, start again. And yes, He does care and I’m glad to hear where your trust will be.
I love what Tripp wrote! So many Christians admit they don’t read their Bibles—a phenomenon I don’t really understand. I agree wholeheartedly with Tripp that we find our identity, peace, wisdom, purpose, etc in God’s Word. What could be more important than reading and studying and living by it?
I agree Pam. I don’t understand why people don’t read. Its words are Life.
A beautiful reminder of the true wealth and wisdom we will always find in God’s Word. Even when we may feel that He isn’t there with us and for us, that is just a feeling. We should and most do know better!
Blessings, Bill!
Very true Martha. We need to remind ourselves of that each day.
I love the EDG devotion today too. We will never run out of things to learn from God’s word. The closer we draw into God, the more God can reveal to us. The Bible does exactly what Paul says, every bit of wisdom,insight,peace,joy,love it’s all there and it’s all empowering and it will define us when we surrender to God’s will. It remains the number one seller in books year after year, no matter what else it comes up against. Nothing compares to the Bible so sit down and read it.
I take it you are passionate about reading the Bible Gail. 🙂 And I am glad.