“My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word” (Psalm 119:28).
Psalm 119 is uniquely the “psalm of the Word,” with practically every one of its 176 verses eulogizing the Holy Scriptures. The psalmist reminds us over and over again of the resources in God’s Word, able to meet every need.
When troubles and sorrows almost overwhelm us, we can be strengthened by the word, as our text reminds us. When we are almost devoid of hope and energy, “thy word hath quickened me” (v. 50). It will never be changed, for it is “forever . . . settled in heaven” (v. 89), and therefore it can never fail to be “a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (v. 105), providing inspired guidance in every decision.
It is always a delight when we read the Scriptures, “sweeter than honey to my mouth” (v. 103), even when they convict us of sin, because God thereby enables us to make “righteous judgments” (v. 106), turning defeat into victory.
The Bible also is our protection. “Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy Word” (v. 114). It continually provides enlightenment and understanding. “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (v. 130).
It is always purifying in its effect, for it is purity itself. “Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it” (v. 140).
Furthermore, it is utterly trustworthy on every subject with which it deals—not only in spiritual matters, but in facts of science and history and every human relationship. “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever” (v. 160).
Therefore we should read the Bible every day, meditate on it, believe it implicitly, obey it always, and proclaim it at every opportunity. HMM
