“Instruct Mind and Heart “
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
-Psalm 19:14
As we await Easter during this Lenten season, we ask the Lord to allow our hearts and actions to reflect the psalmist’s plea in Psalm 19:14, “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer”. There is no greater way to grow closer to the Lord than through his Word. Psalm 19:7-11 gives us six descriptions of the Lord’s Word and how it points us to God.
First, Psalm 19:7a describes the Word as “the law of the Lord”, deeming it “perfect” for “refreshing the soul”. If we obey God’s commands, we will find flawless sufficiency for renewal and encouragement in our thoughts, desires, and emotions. We need heavenly boundaries and rules that cause our souls to flourish.
Second, Psalm 19:7b defines the Word as “the statutes of the Lord”, holding them “trustworthy” to “make wise the simple”. His Word is sure and dependable. While other’s words may fail, the Lord’s never do. We can think of ourselves as geniuses in all areas, or we can humble ourselves and seek the Lord’s instructions as they will cause us to become wise. The All-Wise One will give his wisdom to all who call on him.
Third, Psalm 19:8a calls the Word “the precepts of the Lord”, declaring it “right” and able to “give joy to the heart”. God’s Word is absolute in a world where “right” is subjective. It is never wrong. Joy is something the world could never give. Even in loss, despair, hurt, and pain, God’s Word supplies joy straight to the heart. Happiness is fleeting, but joy is eternal. Scripture regulates our hearts and causes us to rejoice in the Lord.
Fourth, Psalm 19:8b says the Word is “the commands of the Lord”, explaining it as “radiant”, and “giving light to the eyes”. The Word of the Lord illuminates our vision so we can see spiritually. It affects our thoughts, words, and actions. Its directives are brilliant, scattering our foolish ways. Through God’s Word, he shines on the righteous paths.
Fifth, Psalm 19:9a speaks of the Word as “the fear of the Lord” that’s “pure” and “enduring forever”. This fear of the Lord is awe, honor, worship, and reverence. It is knowing he is God and we are not. Its foundation is humility, knowing how clean the Word is – unpolluted – unadulterated. It is what our souls crave our good ideas come and go. It is never wrong and never expires.
Sixth, Psalm 19:9b affirms the Word as “the decrees of the Lord” that are “firm”, announcing “all of them are righteous”. We don’t have to wonder if God’s Word will stand under pressure – it has – it does – it will! We can build our lives on it. Man’s ideas may not work out, but Scripture is holy – it is pure, perfect, and faithful.
May we embrace the Word’s boundless value and satisfying sustenance (v. 10). His Spirit fills, renews, encourages, satisfies, and sustains as we take it in.
Questions:
Have you ever believed your way was better than God’s Word?
What other adjectives and verbs would you use to describe God’s Word?
Prayer:
Jesus, we need your Word daily. We live and feast on your eternal truths. Oh, how sweet and precious are your laws, precepts, statutes, commands, and decrees. How lovely is your enduring Word to my soul. Help us trust in and obey your Word. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Read:
Psalm 19:7-14
Action Step:
Block out 20 minutes today to read these Scriptures about Scripture:
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- Romans 15:4
- Matthew 24:35
- Isaiah 55:11
- 2 Peter 1:19-21
stephen R Harrison 
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