God Revealed Himself Through His Word

"The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
⁸ The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
⁹ The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous."
(Psalm 19:7-9)

God has not only revealed Himself through His wonderful works (creation), but also through His written Word. There are two types of God's revelation: general revelation (creation and conscience) and special revelation (the written Word and the Incarnate Word). In order to know God's heart, attributes, and will, we must read God's Word. In these verses, six names are used for God's written Word: the law of the Lord, the statutes of the Lord, the precepts of the Lord, the commands of the Lord, the fear of the Lord, and the decrees of the Lord. "When David described Creation, He used Elohim, the name that speaks of God’s great power; but when he wrote about God’s Word, seven times he used the “covenant” name Jehovah, for the God of creation is also the God of personal revelation to His people." (Warren Wiersbe)
The law of the Lord (Jehovah) is perfect (flawless) and complete. It revives/refreshes, restores, heals, and strengthens our soul as the law of the Lord gives us instruction, doctrine, and direction which nourish and enrich us. Scripture is the essential soul food to sustain our spiritual growth.

The statutes (testimonies) of the Lord are trustworthy, true, sure, and dependable. They make us wise because they are a wealth of wisdom which guides us in our life's journey and counsels us through our problems. Wisdom is knowing how to respond rightly to life's situations, making right decisions, and being able to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding. God's Word provides spiritual wisdom that we need.

The precepts (principles/rules) of the Lord are right. God's principles and rules bring joy (when we obey them) because they are given out of God's love for us, for our good, and for His glory and they are right for all situations of life.

The commands of the Lord are radiant. God's commands give light to the eyes (give discernment and insights for living). They take away our soul's blindness, help us see truth, make us aware of our sinfulness and our need for redemption, show us what to do and what not to do. They illuminate our life path and enable us to walk in it without stumbling. "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (Psalm 119:105)


The fear of the Lord in this verse refers to "the revealed way in which God is to be feared". Studying God's Word should lead us to have a deep, humble reverence for God, His character, and His standards. The fear of the Lord is pure. God's Word cleanses our heart., purging away the love of sin, self, and worldliness. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7) God's Word endures forever because it is grounded in the immutability of the Eternal God. The Bible has truly stood the test of time. 

The decrees (judgments) of the Lord are firm (certain, stable, reliable) and righteous (conforming to the nature and will of God).

It is profitable/nourishing to our soul to meditate on God's Word which helps us to know God more. God uses His Word to renew our mind and transform our hearts. We must be diligent in studying the Bible and fill our mind with God's Word so that we won't be wandering off the narrow path, be led astray by lies and false teaching, or be troubled by the worries of this world. Through God's Word, we're reminded of God's love, grace, mercy, and faithfulness, assured of God's power, providence, and promises, guided to stay on the right path, encouraged, and comforted. O how precious God's Word is! "They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward." (Psalm 19:10) 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word through which You revealed Yourself to us! It's truly a treasure with incomparable wealth. It's my joy and delight to read, study, ponder, and apply Your Word. I love reading Your "Love Letter" to me again and again. I don't want to miss anything that helps me to know You more. Please empower me to understand Your Word correctly. Please guide me through this life to know and to do Your will always. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

"The Bible contains . . .
  the mind of God,
  the state of man,
  the way of salvation,
  the doom of sinners, and 
  the happiness of believers. 

Its doctrines are holy, 
its precepts are binding, 
its histories are true, and 
its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, 
believe it to be safe, 
and practice it to be holy. 

The Bible contains . . .
  light to direct you,
  food to support you,
  and comfort to cheer you.

It is . . .
  the traveler's map,
  the pilgrim's staff,
  the pilot's compass,
  the soldier's sword and
  the Christian's charter. 

Here too, Heaven is opened--and the gates of Hell are disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, 
our good is its design, and 
the glory of God is its end. 

The Bible should . . .
  fill the memory,
  rule the heart
  and guide the feet. 

Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully.  

The Scripture is . . .
  a mine of wealth,
  a paradise of glory,
  and a river of pleasure!

It . . .
  is given to you in life,
  will be opened at the judgment,
  and be remembered forever. 

The Bible . . .
  involves the highest responsibility,
  rewards the greatest labor, and  
  will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents!"
(Unknown)


The chart below is taken from https://www.preceptaustin.org/psalm_197-14_commentary .

THE MULTI-FACETED ALL SUFFICIENT WORD OF THE LORD
The Name of the Word	The Character of the Word	The Effect of the Word	The Target of the Word
Ps 19:7 Law Teachings	Perfect Whole Complete Sufficient Lacking nothing Good	Restoring Transforming Renewing Reviving Converting Refreshing Preserving Life giving Giving new strength	Soul Life
Ps 19:7 Testimony Witness Decree	Sure Trustworthy Reliable Steadfast Dependable Certain	Wisdom Proper understanding of life, of God, of self, of others	Simple Ordinary People Plain People Inexperienced
Ps 19:8 Precepts Orders Statutes Rules set down	Right Correct Upright In accord w what is just & good Appropriate & fitting Fair	Joy Sense of serenity Making glad Giving Well Being Bringing Tranquility	Heart "Control Center"
Ps 19:8 Commandment	Pure Clear Bright Radiant Untainted with evil or error	Enlightenment Giving Insight for life Lighting up one's way Making the eyes light up	Eye "Window to/of the soul"
Ps 19:9 Fear Reverential Awe Obedient Respect Worshipful submission	Clean Uncontaminated Free from impurity Undefiled	Enduring Permanent, Unchanging, Relevant, Up to date, Never outdated Never in need of alteration	(Mind)
Ps 19:9,11 Judgments Decisions Ordinances	True/Righteous Correspond to & accurately reflect reality "Tell it like it really is" Reflect what is right /Completely fair /Absolutely just	Warning/Reward Moral guidance/Spiritual riches Make conscious of danger	(Will)