Friday, December 19, 2008

Source of joy and peace

Open my eyes to the wonderful truths in your law.

I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your laws.

Lord, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me. Then I will have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in your word. Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for my only hope is in your laws. I will keep on obeying your law forever and forever.

May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, O Lord, that your decisions are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it. Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your law is my delight.

Those who love your law have great peace and do not stumble.

Psalm 119:18, 30, 41-44, 74-77, 165 NLT

Knowing the person behind the book
To own a Bible—to know we have it if we need it—brings a certain measure of peace.
When we actually read and begin to understand it we are better able to receive peace of mind and heart.
And when we apply what God's Word teaches, our lifestyle actually becomes a fertile place where peace can grow.
But when we truly grow to love this wisdom given to us by its loving author, we have actually come to put our trust in the person behind the book.
The writer of Psalm 119 grew to love God's law because it revealed who God was.
We can rest assured when we follow the principles that issue from God's great love and wisdom.

from the Touch Point Bible with commentaries by Ron Beers and Gilbert Beers (Tyndale)
p 535

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