JANUARY 27
Psalm 19:7, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.”
This Psalm presents six statements about the attributes of God’s Word, each affirming its divine origin. The repeated phrase “of the Lord” emphasizes that Scripture is inspired by God. These statements highlight the titles, characteristics, and benefits of the Word. As John MacArthur points out, this Psalm condenses the themes of Psalm 119, using titles like law, testimony, precepts, commandments, fear, and rules—repeated throughout Psalm 119. Together, these statements declare the perfection and sufficiency of God’s Word.
We’ll focus on the first: “The Law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul” (Psalm 19:7a). The term “Law” refers to Scripture’s role in guiding us to live rightly with God, much like an operating manual. The Law is perfect—not just flawless, but complete and comprehensive, lacking nothing necessary to fulfill its purpose: “reviving the soul” (Psalm 19:7b). The soul represents the inner person, and Scripture’s purpose is to transform us from the inside out, affecting how we think, speak, and act.
New Testament writers echo this. Peter writes, “You’ve been born again… through the living and abiding word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). Paul affirmed, “You accepted it… as the word of God, which is at work in you believers” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). While many books can educate or inspire, none can save or transform like the Bible. It offers “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth,” and its perfection and sufficiency make it worthy of our devotion.
B.I.B.L.E. = Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth
Application questions: How has God’s word worked to bring change to your life? Do you seek first for answers in God’s Word when you are confronted with difficult situations? How much time of any given day do you devote to reading/studying God’s word?
LookingtoJesus 