Today's Daily Bread
Unlikely Encouragement
Are you looking for encourage- ment? Do you need a little boost
today amid all the bad news coming your way? The psalmist David can lift
your spirit in an unexpected way through some words we often think of
as negative.
When we read Psalm 19, we discover a short listing of ways that the
Lord’s clearly defined “law,” or standards for living, can bring
positive results. This is unlikely encouragement, for some see God’s
standards as restrictive and as robbing us of happiness.
Here are some words the psalmist used for God’s standards: “law of
the Lord” (v.7), “testimony” (v.7), “statutes” (v.8), “commandments”
(v.8), “fear of the Lord” (v.9), and “judgments” (v.9). These words have
an ominous sound that causes many people to want to avoid or reject
them.
But notice what these things bring to the believing, obedient heart:
conversion of the soul, wisdom, rejoicing of the heart, purity of life,
enlightenment of the eyes, endurance, truth, and righteousness (vv.7-9).
That’s great encouragement! No wonder David said about God’s law that
He’s given to us, “More to be desired are they than gold . . . sweeter
also than honey” (v.10).
Lord, we love You and Your Word. We delight in
reading it, learning about You, and following what
You teach us. Thank You for all the blessings that come
from our relationship with You. Amen.
reading it, learning about You, and following what
You teach us. Thank You for all the blessings that come
from our relationship with You. Amen.
Obedience to God’s Word is the Christian’s greatest freedom.
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