Words are very powerful things. We can use our words in good ways, to build others up, comfort and encourage them, and express our devotion. We can also use our words in negative ways, to hurt others and tear them down. The words of Winston Churchill rallied a nation during a dark time to defeat their enemy. Words of a first responder can draw a person away from the edge of a bridge where they were going to jump, but the words of a cyber-bully can push a person into suicide. In our Scripture passage today from the Book of Psalms we read about the words of the Lord, and how very powerful they are.
As we read through the first several verses of Psalm 33, we read the testimony of the author that the word of the Lord is right (vs. 4). It is correct, and we can depend upon it. The psalmist declares that everything God does is done in truth. It is good to know when we can depend upon another’s word to be true. If we know someone tells the truth, then we know we can trust them. What they say can be depended upon to be true. If they have a reputation for telling lies, or even just occasionally lying, we can’t rely on their words. The foundation of any relationship is trust. If there is no trust, then the relationship is on shaky ground. We can trust God, and we can trust His Word, the Bible.
All of God’s Word, the Bible, is right and is truth. Some people believe and say that only parts of God’s Word are true. If that were the case, how would we know which words were true, and which weren’t? Is what is said on page 5 true, but on page 10 false? Is what God says about salvation and sin true, or is that part of the “false” stuff? That is very important, eternally important to know! How do we know what is true, and what we can trust? If this was the case with a person, we wouldn’t trust anything. However, we are assured that God’s Word is right, and what He does is done truthfully! Doubting that God’s Word is true is to doubt His very character. We are then agreeing with Satan, the father of lies. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). God does not lie, forget, change His words, or leave His promises unfulfilled. We can trust the Bible because it is the word of a holy, trustworthy, and unchangeable God.
God’s Word brings life and it brought forth all of creation (vs. 6). Throughout the first chapter of Genesis we read repeatedly the word “God said” and then what He said happened. He said “Let there be light.” and there was light. God said “Let the earth bring forth…..” and the earth brought forth what He said. He spoke, and it was. God spoke, and it was done (vs. 9).
Though we can’t bring forth creation with words in the same way, our words are also very powerful. If a parent or teacher praises a child, and gives them lots of support and encouragement, that will help that child to succeed. Being told “You can do it!” helps both a child and an adult with any task or job they attempt. In a way it brings to life their ability to achieve. The same holds true with being told that you’re a failure. When someone is constantly told they are a failure, that they’re no good, they’re ugly, something dies in that person. The words bring death.
The Gospel of John tells us that Jesus Christ is “the Word” (John 1:1). It also tells us that everything came into being through Him (John 1:3). The Apostle Paul tells us everything was made for and by Jesus (Colossians 1:16). He spoke creation into being, and we can trust every word He spoke. His Word sustains everything today (Hebrews 1:3). God’s Word has the resurrection power to bring all who are dead in their sins to life! Let us trust God and His unchanging Word today!
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