New Year, Exalted Focus

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts 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 forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. — Psalm 19:7-9

Last week we looked at renewing our focus on the Lord as we look at creation. This week, we will look at the next section of Psalm 19 and see how our focus should be exalted. While God reveals His existence and power through creation, He reveals His nature and His will for us through His Word.

While creation can help us turn or focus towards the Lord, His Word gives us the foundation for knowing Him and following His will. Last Sunday, Pastor Josh preached on John 3 and John the Baptist. One of the points he made was how John the Baptist built his life on the foundation of God’s Word. As we start a new year and think about our focus and goals, we need to build those things on the foundation of God’s revealed word.

Why does God’s Word provide the best foundation? The Psalmist gives us several reasons:

• Revives the Soul - Through His perfect Word we find the truth about sin and forgiveness. His Word reveals how we can truly have spiritual life and a right relationship with Him. 

• Wisdom - True wisdom is not based on intellect and education. God created this world; and when we follow His commands, we have true wisdom. Knowing God and fearing Him is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 1:7).

• Joy - When we build our lives on the truth of God’s Word, our hearts are glad. There is joy in following what God has set before us. His Word and His commands are not burdensome; they are given for our good and our flourishing. 

• Understanding - His Word is pure. As we read and meditate on His Word, we gain understanding. We get to know God better and grow in our understanding of His will for us.

• Reverence - God’s Word brings us to fear and reverence Him. As we read about all He has done and will do, we should be in awe of Him. This awe and wonder of God will continue for eternity.

• True - God’s Word is true and righteous. We can and should build our lives on it. Through His Word, we find the truths of salvation and how to walk in a sinful world.

As the psalmist sums up his love for God’s Word, he says the following: 

More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. — Psalm 19:10

How is your desire for God’s Word this year?