Only God knows how to make Life work – Psalm 19

I have various manuals for my automobiles, appliances, etc. They give me instructions on how to make them work efficiently. Most have troubleshooting guides for if something goes wrong. When my car or appliance breaks down, I can read a repair manual or watch a video on how to fix it. I can then decide if I want to pay someone else to fix it. Instruction and repair manuals are often produced by the manufacturer of the product. The one who makes a product should know how to best maintain and fix it.

Since God is the author of life, He alone knows how life works and how to make life work. He has given us our instruction and repair manual. We are all “High Maintenance” when it comes to needing God’s instructions. We require a lot of preventative maintenance.

Without God’s direction in our life, we would stumble and fall, and sin would have complete dominion over us. Psalm 19 gives us six synonyms for the Word of God that can help us make life work.

Psalm 19:7-14 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

In our KJV Bibles we have the books of the Bible organized according to law, history, poetry, prophets, gospels, epistles, etc. David does it differently here. He is concerned with the true nature of Scripture regardless of it is genre. David sees the Word of God in all its aspects as words to be obeyed whether or not it is law, history, a song, etc. The Holy Spirit uses the Bible to produce actions in us.

1.   Law – Torah – “Instruction” – Especially the Pentateuch, The five books of Moses

a.   God’s Word is complete and sufficient. It is flawless and undefiled. It is everything God wants us to know.

b.   It leads us to turn to God.

                                         i.   2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

                                       ii.   Peter 1:23  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

2.   Testimony – Witness – God’s witness is true. It is a solid foundation. You can build your life upon it. It is worthy of trust.

3.   Statutes – Mandates, Precepts – They direct us in making decisions we face. They help us avoid the painful consequences of sin. They teach us how to please God. They help us understand our trials and afflictions; thus, we may have joy amid trials. Walking in a straight path or in an upright manner brings joy.

4.   Commandment – Ordinance, Law – God’s Word is perfect, flawless, and undefiled. It is clean. It opens our eyes to truth. We receive wisdom and insight as God’s Word guides us.

5.   Fear – Reverence – We recognize the Lord’s sovereignty, power, and holiness. It is cleansing and purifying. We don’t often recognize that the fear of the Lord is a synonym at times for the Word of God. We must have reverence and respect for the Word of God if it is to bear fruit in our lives. We must also fear the consequences of disobedience.

6.   Judgments – The verdict, penalty, decree – They are true and fair. The more we read the Bible – The more we study it, meditate on it, and obey it, the more we will enjoy the full blessing of it. We will desire more and more of it. We will crave it.

DAVID’S CONCLUDING PRAYER – LET’S MAKE THIS OUR PRAYER ALSO.

Psalm 19:11-14 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.