April 7

The Bible As A Safeguard

I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. — Ps 119:11 BSB

The prayer, “Teach me Your statutes,” is repeated eight times in this wonderful Psalm. It can be considered its theme. God’s statutes are the path to purity, and if a young man takes heed to them, his way will be cleansed. Just as running clean water purifies a pipe, so does the Word of God cleanse the heart. Constant study of the Bible is essential for the health of the soul.

Consecration is closely linked to Bible study (Psalm 119:10). Holiness means wholeness—the whole-hearted devotion of our entire being to God, consecrating every power to His service. This leads us to rely fully on God and seek His fellowship. Psalm 119:11 speaks of something precious stored in a safe place, yielding a blessed result. William Wilberforce, in the midst of a busy London season and political crisis, found great comfort walking through Hyde Park while repeating the 119th Psalm. John Ruskin, who once found the Psalm difficult as a child, later came to treasure it for its passionate love for God's law.

Studying the Bible equips us to bear witness for God (Psalm 119:13). A railway inspector once told me he had a vision of God while studying the Bible and praying. Afterward, on the station platform, a man offered him whisky, but he replied, “I have had a better drink than that,” and pointed him to the Water of Life (John 4:14; Revelation 22:17). At the other end of the train, someone asked for a “Testament,” slang for a pack of cards, but the inspector handed him a Pocket Testament instead! When the Word of God fills our hearts, it overflows in our words and actions, blessing those around us. “Out of him shall flow rivers of living water.” Let us remain in fellowship with God through His Word, which will bring joy to our lives, even amid sorrow (Psalm 119:14-16).

Prayer

Open my eyes, O Lord, that I may see wondrous things in Your law. Amen.