Every day we are bombarded with information. We read news headlines, scroll social media, and research topics for school or for our own personal interest. Quite frequently this information is changing, conflicting, or confusing. This is why we take the time to cross-reference and check multiple sources to confirm the accuracy of what we are reading. Not so with God’s word. God’s word is reliable and steadfast. “For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven” (Ps. 119:89). God’s word, from Adam to the apostles, has never changed over the years. “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever” (v. 160). God’s word is also perspicuous. It is not hard to figure out and piece together what God means.

            Since God’s word is so trustworthy, we can rely on it to illuminate our path. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105). On life’s pathway, there are many snares the wicked have laid for us as well as our own faults and sins that cause us to stumble. God’s word exposes these snares and shows us where to walk so we don’t fall into temptation. We must pray, “Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me” (v. 133).

In addition to lighting our pathway, God’s word strengthens us: “Strengthen thou me according to thy word” (Ps. 119:28). In this life we have battles to fight against our sinful flesh, Satan, and the world. We often get weary, and we need God’s word to invigorate and refresh us in the battle. It is so important that we frequently turn to God’s word for refreshment. Just as one meal or glass of water will not sustain us for the entirety of a week, infrequent eating and drinking from God’s word will leave us spiritually dehydrated and weak. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matt. 5:6).

            God’s word also gives us hope and comfort in affliction: “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” (Ps. 119:49–50). Not only do we need hope, but we also need comfort: “Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?” (v. 82). Often it looks like we are fighting a losing battle. It looks like the enemy is undefeatable. Our sins keep plaguing us, we keep falling into temptation, and the world continues to grow hostile to Christians. Why should we keep fighting? God’s word comforts our troubled hearts and gives us hope. It tells us the victory is already won. Jesus crushed the head of the serpent, and he is coming again in judgment at the end of the world to punish the wicked.

            We are to respond to God’s word in three ways. First, we are to respond with awe. “But my heart standeth in awe of thy word” (Ps. 119:161). God’s word is powerful: it can give life, and it is able to destroy. Thus we may not have a flippant or casual attitude towards God’s word. It deserves our full admiration, devotion, and worship.

Second, we respond with obedience. “But now have I kept thy word” (v. 67). We must obey God’s word and heed its instruction. We may not be indifferent to it or view it as optional. God’s word is truth and all his commands to us are a necessary part of the Christian life.

Third, we respond by hiding God’s word in our hearts (Ps. 119:11). We must view God’s word as an invaluable treasure to be hid in our hearts where it can’t be forgotten or taken away. Perhaps our Bibles will be taken away someday, but if God’s word is hidden in our hearts, it is safe. “Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart” (Prov. 7:3).

Rebekah is a wife and mother in the home. She attends Hope Protestant Reformed Church in Redlands, CA, with her family.