Psalms 19:7-9 ESV  The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;  (8)  the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;  (9)  the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.

Dear Fellowship of the Burning Heart:

There are two witnesses: the world and the Word, the sky and the Scriptures.

In the second half of Psalm 19, we see the second witness described in detail and beauty. Each phrase tells us something important about the Word. It is called law, testimony, precepts, commandment, fear, and rules. These names give a glimmer of the glory of the Word. Adjectives are attached to each name: perfect, sure, right, pure, clean and true. These add to the shine of the jewel. Following each adjective is a phrase describing the purpose of the Word: reviving the soul, making wise the simple, rejoicing the heart, enlightening the eyes, enduring forever, and are righteous altogether. Collectively, we have a glorious description that is both beautiful and instructive.

Far too long the Word has been seen and presented as restrictive, dull, constraining, repressive, antiquated, and repulsive to modern thinking. The only way to recover our faith in the Lord, our confidence in His ways and our willingness to obey is to regain an appreciation for His Word. He has spoken and we must pay attention.

So, what is His Word to us?

It is law, His revealed will, TORAH, which directs, informs, instructs. The word can be used to refer to the shooting of an arrow. That law is perfect: full, complete and right. Like an arrow it strikes home. Refusal to embrace the “Instruction Manual” for life from its Designer can have devastating results. We need to know what His will is because it “revives the soul.” One might describe the result of the law as “spiritual recovery.” If we ignore the Doctor’s prescriptions, we cannot expect to recover.

It is His testimony, His witness, to His love, His covenantal faithfulness, His ways, His plan of salvation. This witness is “sure” or trustworthy. You can count on it. It leads us out of our childishness to spiritual wisdom or maturity (see Proverbs 1:4 and Psalm 119:98-100).

It is precepts, or principles, for living. His principles are right, and when followed, they bring rejoicing to our inner life (where we can experience joy, peace, and contentment).

It is commands. God has told us what we must do and He, being our Creator, has the authority to tell us what to do. Sadly, some see His commands as repulsive or restrictive, but they are “pure” and only point us to life, health and peace. Resentment of His commands will prevent us from realizing His purposes, but when we appreciate them, our eyes are “opened” to the truth and beneficial nature of His instructions.

It is fear, a key component of reverence or respect. Fear has been downplayed in recent times, because we are afraid that we will miscommunicate who God is. However, fear is a vital component of respect. I loved my parents and never feared that they would try to hurt me. But I also feared hurting them and losing their trust. The fear of the Lord sums up what the law required (see Psalm 15, especially verse 4). We show honor and respect for God when we order our lives in alignment with His will. Our reverence will result in clean living, because when we do what is right in God’s sight, we will never regret that decision. Not only will we not disappoint God, we will not bring disrepute into our lives.

It is judgments, and it serves as both a measure for righteous behavior and a mirror revealing our shortcomings. His evaluation is right and true. His standards stand across time and cultures. He doesn’t change His expectations. We will not be able to bring an argument against Him. All must someday submit to His judgment.

God’s Word is adequate, accurate and authoritative. Why do we want to question Him, to accuse Him, to reject Him? He has spoken and we must either respond or refuse.

Those whose hearts are open to God will learn to accept, appreciate and adopt His Word.