Psalm 119:87
Psalm 119:87 states, "They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts."
This verse, along with Nehemiah 6:9 and Psalm 19:7-9, reminds us that facing immense hardship isn't an invitation to abandon God's Word. When we feel overwhelmed, the temptation to give up or compromise can be strong. However, Scripture provides a solid foundation for finding strength and resilience in the face of our struggles.
The Sufficiency of God's Word
The account of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem is a powerful example of this. Despite threats and opposition from his enemies, his focus remained on the task God had given him. Nehemiah's prayer, "But now, O God, strengthen my hands" (Nehemiah 6:9), was a direct response to fear, rooted in his deep knowledge of and trust in God's promises. He didn't rely on his own strength or the opinions of others; he leaned on the precepts of the Lord which, as Psalm 19 describes, are perfect, sure, right, pure, and true.
This reliance on God's Word is crucial for us today. We are constantly faced with cultural pressures and personal trials that can threaten to "make an end of us." Yet, our hope is not in self-help techniques or worldly wisdom, but in the all-sufficient Word of God. It's in the Bible that we find the truth about who God is, who we are in Christ, and how to navigate the complexities of a broken world. As we read and apply Scripture, we are equipped to respond to life's challenges with grace and truth. A life transformed by the gospel is marked by a consistent, fruit-bearing response to God's Word.
We encourage you to draw near to God by consistently engaging with His Word. Don't just read it; study, meditate on, and apply it to your life. The Bible isn't merely a book of rules; it's a living and active source of grace, guidance, and comfort. Begin today by asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Scriptures for you, revealing the character of God and the depth of His love.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the precious gift of your Word. It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. We confess that we often seek wisdom and comfort in things other than you. Please forgive us. As we open the Scriptures, fill us with your Holy Spirit. Help us to see you more clearly, understand your love more deeply, and apply your truth more faithfully to our lives. Strengthen our hands to do your will, and remind us that in you alone, we find all we need to endure and overcome. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Application Questions
How can you practically incorporate daily, intentional time in God's Word into your schedule, and what steps will you take to begin?
Reflect on a recent challenge you've faced. How would a response rooted in God's Word differ from a typical human response?
In what specific ways does a deeper knowledge of God's Word bring freedom and peace, rather than feeling like a burden or an endless list of rules?
