Behold, I long for Your precepts; revive me through Your righteousness.
Psalm 119:40
What would life be like if we did not have God’s word? We would have no basis for law, except for our warped consciences. We would have no understanding of the beginning of life or the purpose of life. We would not know anything about our Creator. We would continue to be dead in our sins. There would be no hope for the future.
Consider what this life looks like to the unbeliever. Violence is everywhere. The entire world is in disarray. The political process in our country seems seriously broken. There is no moral compass. As the Scriptures have said, every man is doing what is right in his own eyes.
How does the believer find their bearings in such tumultuous times? The psalmist identifies two sources that provide great hope and stability.
God has given us His word so that we can better understand His purposes, even in this sinful world. We can look back to the very beginning of time and we can look forward to when the earth, as we know it, will be changed forever. We can see how God perfectly accomplishes His purposes, regardless of man’s rebellion. The Scriptures remind us that God continues to save sinners and He continues to work in the lives of His children to fulfill His eternal plan.
When we look through the lens of Scripture, this world is not so confusing. God’s eternal plan is coming to fruition and nothing can stop it. As this world gets increasingly darker, the light of the gospel shines brighter. How comforting are these truths!
Not only do we have God’s word, we also have a righteous God. Absolutely everything He does is perfect. He will not and cannot do anything that is wrong. In His righteousness God sent His own Son to be the propitiation for our sins. As a result, we can be His children rather than His enemies. We do not have to be concerned about God changing (James 1:17).
When you begin to be distracted or discouraged because of the circumstances around you, run to God’s Word and be revived by the precious hope that you can enjoy. And also consider the privilege you have to worship a righteous God. He is in complete control and will not be thwarted by anyone or anything.
“The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.”
Deuteronomy 32:4Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth.
Psalm 119:142
