LET GOD'S WORD BE YOUR DAILY COMPANION
TEXT:
"Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me." (Psalms 119 stanzas 49 to 50, King James Version)
In the closing part of John chapter 16, the Lord Jesus reminded His disciples saying, "... In the world ye shall have tribulation ... " (John 16 verse 33). For the word "tribulation", other versions have "trouble(s)", "suffering", "many trials", "distress", "persecution", "distress", "difficulties", etc.
Indeed, Apostle Paul reminded the Thessalonian Church saying, "That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto." (1 Thessalonians 3 verse 3). This is in perfect agreement with Jesus' saying that "... In the world ye shall have tribulation ... ". But the good news is that the Lord Jesus has overcome the world for us.
Jesus is the Living Word of God. At a time in history, He came into the world and lived as a Man. His Words to His disciples in John chapter 16 verse 33 were part of His parting Words to them before He went to the Cross. As the Living Word of God, He spoke those Words to them.
Today, the Lord is not physically present with us but the scriptures represent Him, comforting us. David encouraged himself in the Lord on the day of his troubles and afflictions. The Lord is aware of situations we would go through in life. He gave us the Scriptures to guide us as though He were present physically with us, instructing and directing us. Therefore, get to the Word!
The Scriptures show us amongst other things., God's dealings with others in the past who were in similar circumstances as we are today. It's in this regard that the Book of Romans 15 verse 4 informs us saying, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."
From how the Lord dealt with the saints of old, we can have patience and comfort and hope as we go through the trials of life. This is truly beautiful!
Therefore, the Scriptures are to be our greatest companion in life. Indeed, according to Moses, they are our life. Hear him: "... Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: ... " (Deuteronomy 32 verse 46 to 47)
As you have recourse to God's Word daily, you'll have the Lord minister to your situation, so you can have patience, comfort and hope.
The Psalmist in the Scripture reading for today is heard reminding the Lord of His Word to him during his moments of trials.
"Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me."
God's Word quickens us in moments of despondency and dispiritedness. As the Lord was to His disciples during His time on earth, so is the Word of God to us today. Not to give attention to the Word of God is likened to someone walking in the dark. Recognizing this fact, the Psalmist says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalms 119 stanza 105). Definitely, the man that walks in the light the light does not stumble (John chapter 11 verses 9 and 10).
PRAYER:
Lord, I resolve to have fellowship with Your Word daily that I might have patience, comfort and hope in times of trials and temptations, in Jesus name.