Got Answers?

Life can be difficult and confusing at times – especially if you pay attention to the nightly news.  Terrorists, politics, and other manmade issues flood the storylines; and sometimes we can be tempted in our post-Christian society to despair.  Social media is full of posts by Christians trying to sway me to one side or the other on certain topics like who to vote for or how I should feel about other people in the world. 

But today I read Psalm 119 in its entirety (176 verses – the longest chapter in the Bible), and I am very thankful for the reminder of the one and only completely trustworthy and unchanging thing in life – the Word of God.  Consider these few verses from my reading today:

“Your testimonies . . . are my counselors.” (v. 24)

“. . . your rules are righteous . . .” (v. 75)

“All your commandments are sure . . .” (v. 86)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” 

 (v. 105)

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” (v. 130)

“Righteous are you, O Lord, and right are your rules.” 

 (v. 137)

“. . . your law is true.” (v. 142)

“Your testimonies are righteous forever . . .” (v. 144)

“The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” (v. 160)

“Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.” (v. 165)

When I read these verses, I have to wonder why we find it so easy to ignore God’s Word and look to other people and ourselves for the solutions to our problems and the answers to our questions.  It’s pretty clear that only God’s Word holds the key to whatever is going on in our world.  Politicians don’t, terrorists don’t, and even well-meaning Christians don’t if God’s Word isn’t the basis for their conclusions.    

I have another verse prominently displayed in my bathroom (a place I visit often every day!) so that I don’t forget the importance of God’s Word: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8).  During this season of growing grass and beautiful blooming flowers, let’s not forget the only thing in life that is forever and can be counted on for counsel, truth, and understanding – not to mention great peace for those who love and choose to follow it.