September 8

The Devotional Use Of Scripture

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. — Ps 119:105 BSB

In each verse of Psalm 119, the Psalmist mentions the Scriptures, with just one exception. The constant quoting of the Old Testament by our Lord and His Apostles provides abundant evidence of their deep and loving connection with the holy men of the past, who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. It’s especially remarkable that during His temptation, all His teaching, and in the agony of the cross, Jesus consistently pointed to the unique authority of God’s Word as spoken through the Old Testament saints.

The Psalmist tells us we can know God through three revelations. Though they have no audible voice or speech, the heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies, filled with stars, display His craftsmanship. Though silent, their words echo to the ends of the earth.

The final stanza of this great Psalm celebrates God's handiwork in the construction and direction of our moral nature. Between these golden truths, the Psalmist praises the Scriptures using ten vivid descriptions, each one speaking to a different need of the human soul. Whether for the soul in need of restoration, the simple seeking wisdom, the sad heart longing for joy, the eyes needing enlightenment, the soul craving the gold of truth, or the desire for sincerity and righteousness, all of these needs—and many more—are met by a devout reading of the Scriptures.

All ministries that have remained vibrant and impactful over many years have found the Bible to be a source of endless teaching and inspiration. Let us commit ourselves to soaking in Scripture before we pray, like pouring water in to prime the pump for drawing more.

Prayer

Teach us, O Blessed Spirit of Inspiration, to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest Your words, so that we may be fully equipped for every good work and able to lead others into a true understanding and love for the hidden treasures of Scripture. Amen.