DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2017
Read Psalm 19:7-14
God’s Word Gives Light
A 1991 survey conducted for the Library of Congress and Book-of-the-Month Club found that Americans named the Bible as the most influential book in their lives. Yet even back then, this news wasn’t as good as it sounds. After all, number two on the list was Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged. In addition, respondents said they spent more time watching television (12 hours per week) than reading books (9 hours).
The Bible, as the revealed and inspired Word of God, reflects His light, that is, His truth, wisdom, and holy commands. The first six verses of Psalm 19 address creation, the “book of nature,” and how it declares God’s glory. Today’s reading, the second half of this psalm, addresses the Bible, the “book of God.”
One of Scripture’s key characteristics is that the “commands of the LORD… are radiant, giving light to the eyes” (v. 8). Bright eyes indicate alertness and energy. When the eyes have “light,” it means they have good health, life, and hope. This verse reminds us that the Lord’s commands are our source of spiritual health, alertness, energy, life, and hope. They should be obeyed, for they show us the best way to live. That is, “This command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life” (Prov. 6:23). In short, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Ps. 119:105).
God’s Word is also perfect, eternal, righteous, and trustworthy. It gives wisdom, joy, warning, and discernment. It is pure, precious, rewarding to obey, and sweetly refreshing to the soul. It helps convict us of sin and communicates God’s promise of forgiveness. Thankfully, the light of Scripture helps keep us on the straight and narrow path!
APPLY THE WORD
Here’s a simple object lesson about light. Turn off all the lights and go to the darkest room in the house. Try to do simple tasks such as reading a book or writing your name—in the dark. Then light a candle or turn on a flashlight and try again. What an enormous difference even the smallest source of light can make!
Today in the Word is a production of Moody Global Ministries
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