How Does Reading the Bible Provide Self-Counsel?
“I love the word of God. I don’t say it lightly” – John Piper
In Psalm 19, David says that the Law of the Lord is perfect in every way. In the first six verses of that Psalm, clearly every person is held accountable to the Creator’s word and is left without an excuse. Then in Psalm 19:7-11, we see why Scripture provides self-counsel as we read and meditate on Scripture, especially now through difficult times.
Scripture restores my soul (19:7a). Scripture contains the power to restore and revive lost souls back to him through the work of the Holy Spirit and the word that produces faith (Romans 10:17), as well as save those who believe (Romans 1:16). Know the word of God is pure while it restores and revives the soul!
Scripture can make me wise (19:7b). Scripture is God’s personal testimony to us promising to make one wise if we seek and obey. God’s word moves us from foolishness to wisdom since Scripture reveals Christ who is wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30). Know the word makes one wise if they seek and obey!
Scripture brings joy to my heart (19:8a). Scripture implants joy even within a sad heart. This is a promise that I cling to in times of heartache and misery. God promises that during the unknown we can find joy in Him as we seek and trust His word (John 15:11; Proverbs 3:5-6). Know Scripture can give us joy despite adverse circumstances!
Scripture is pure enlightening my eyes (19:8b). Scripture empowered by the Holy Spirit supernaturally opens eyes that were once darken by the fall of humanity. His word is pure and holy, opening one’s heart and eyes to His truth. Only the gospel can pierce the minds that are blinded in order to see the beauty of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4; Hebrews 4:12) that alone can open my eyes and walk away from darkness (Acts 26:18; see John 9:27-33). Know Scripture alone has the power to open your eyes to turn from darkness!
Scripture endures forever (19:8-9). Scripture always leads us to a life of godliness as we submit and obey Him. Man’s ways will come and go but the word of God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8). God promises that His abiding word is not “perishable seed but it is an imperishable seed” (1 Peter 1:22-23). Know Scripture will never die or become irrelevant, but it is pure and will stand forever!
Scriptures warns us of the consequences of disobeying His word while promises great reward to those who do obey His word. Get in the word, so that the word gets in you!
Pastor Jeff Tritt