Let God’s Word Refresh My Soul
BRD REFLECTIONS
Jeremiah 15 and Psalm 19 (NIV)
(Esther Wong, Zone 12 Core Team Member, Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Psalm 19 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Focus verses: 7The Law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
The earlier passage declares the glory of God’s work (vv1-6).
The mid passage describes qualities of the active and living WORD of the LORD, Jehovah: God’s Law, the doctrinal truth as taught in the Holy Scriptures, is perfect to govern our lives and to restore, lift up the fallen soul (referring to our mind, will, emotions) from sin to holiness. The testimony of the Lord is in WHO God says He is, WHAT God says He will do, firmly established in His everlasting faithfulness. His promises are all Yes and Amen, in accordance to His Character. God’s Word gives understanding to the simple, becoming wise unto salvation.
The precepts or teachings of the Lord give us guidance and directives on how to live righteous lives; we can rejoice in the depth of our hearts for JOY of the Lord is our strength to overcome; Jesus says I AM the Light of the world (the world being tainted, impure). We all need light to see anything – only the TRUE & PERFECT Light of Christ can enlighten the eyes of our hearts and minds to discern between the knowledge of good and evil, in line with spiritual truths.
Reverential fear of the Lord keeps us morally, ethically untainted and undefiled, withstanding the test of time. We can entrust ourselves to the firm and righteous judgments of the Lord. His holiness guides us to walk morally right in our relationships with God and with one another.
APPLY:
In v11, I am ‘warned by them’. How would I know to be cautious if I do not read or understand or heed them as ‘warning’ guides for my life, and ‘warning’ for what? That is, what motivation do I read the Bible for? Do I have ‘enlightened eyes’ to see and ears to hear and understand His truths? And in keeping them there is great reward (reminds me of the practising of ‘self-righteousness’ versus the true ‘Reward’ from God in Matthew 6:1-18).
From vv12,13 – Who can discern his error? What are my hidden faults? Worst yet, am I ruled over by presumptuous or insolent sins in pride!? As Paul puts it in Roman 7:15-23 – 15 For I do not understand what I am doing; for I am not practising what I want to do, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 However, if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, that the Law is good. 17 But now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me.
DO:
God’s word warns the servant of God not to depart from the righteous way of the LORD. There is reward in keeping and abiding in God’s law and commandments. In this Psalm, David not only desired to be pardoned and cleansed from the sins he had discovered and confessed, but also from those he had forgotten or overlooked. Likewise, any awareness of sin revealed to me by God’s Law should convict and propel me towards His throne of Grace to pray.
In the overcrowded-ness and constant challenges of life, I desire to let God’s Word still and refresh my soul. I desire to approach reading of the Bible as my guiding Light, for major decisions in life and as warning ‘traffic’ signals – to look out for red ‘STOP’ and/or ‘WAIT’ lights; to not run the amber ‘SLOW DOWN’ lights and walk in-step with God; and to follow closely and safely along with the green ‘GO FORTH’ light, with just enough light to take the next steps.
PRAY:
Jehovah Raah, You are the God who sees. Thank You for your constant watch, guidance and protection over me. May the words (outflow) of my mouth and the meditation of my heart – my thought life, attitude, behaviour, conduct – be acceptable in Your sight.
May Your Perfect Light expose the hidden fault lines in my life. Holy Spirit, help me in discerning truths versus half-truths versus almost true! I choose to be holy, set apart to do Your Will. Heighten my alertness to sin, even presumptuous ones, such that I do not deliberately fall short of the holiness You have called me to. Help me in the convictions of my mind, heart and will to turn to (face) you, to choose Your Righteous judgement and discipline over the standards of the world. Lord, be my vindicator! In surrender and trust, please take what is wrong and make it right. May I be blessed in the keeping and living out of the Beatitudes. Keep my footsteps firm even though on slippery grounds, my rock and my Redeemer. In the Almighty Name of Christ, Amen.
