When we were little, we likely believed in a lot of things, that once we grew older we found out were not true, such as Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, etc. We watched Batman and Superman on TV and in the movies, and found out that they were not real, either. If some of our friends, siblings, or even our parents were prone to telling fibs, then it might be difficult for us to know who we can believe. As we get older we wonder who we can believe? Were our teachers telling us the truth? What about the news media? They so often lie to us. Who will give us the truth? Our psalm today gives us the answer, that there is one place where we most assuredly will find the truth, and that is in God’s Word.
Throughout our psalm for this week, the psalmist reassures us that God is faithful, and that we can trust in Him because His Word, the Bible, is absolutely true and without error. The psalmist reminds us in his psalm that God holds absolute authority. He is the sovereign God, and we can trust in Him. Because God is trustworthy and omnipotent, and that His Word is true, we should give Him praise and worship (vs. 1-3). That is a fitting response to His goodness and faithfulness.
Our psalmist continues to instruct us that God’s Word, the Bible, is true and trustworthy (vs 4). In the last couple of centuries the world has been trying to discredit and negate the Bible, telling us that it is a book of myths and superstitions. However in a world that is repeatedly showing us that so many of the things we hear on the news are false narratives, we find the truth in God’s Word. If we struggle to believe that God’s Word is true, then we are doubting God’s very character. He is righteous, just, and good (vs. 5). He is both love and truth itself (I John 4:8; John 14:6). Every time we question the Scriptures we are agreeing with Satan, the father of lies.
As we read on, we see that all of creation came to be by the word which God spoke (vs. 6-9). As the supreme, almighty, omnipotent God of the Universe, He just needs to speak a word, and that thing which He spoke comes into being (vs. 9). He spoke forth creation, and all of the heavens and earth, along with all creatures and inhabitants of the world came into being. When God speaks a word, the thing that the word expresses immediately leaps to life. When we read in Genesis 1, we read multiple times “God said”, and then what He said immediately was created. His Words have power! Only God’s Word has the resurrection power to bring all who are spiritually dead in their sins to spiritual life. Because He, alone, is the Creator with all-power, we are encouraged to have a strong fear of the Lord, (vs. 8), as all creation should stand in awe of Him.
Throughout history, the world has been in conflict against God. Rulers have tried to destroy His people, along with His Word. Even today believers suffer persecution, either directly in some countries, or by more subtle means in other places. The world tries in various ways to stamp out God in society. However, God brings all their plans to nothing. His plans, and His alone, will stand forever (vs. 10-12). No human plans can ever override God’s divine will. If a nation or people submits themselves to the Lord Jesus, He promises to bless them, which reinforces the idea that righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34). However, unfortunately we do not really see that at all today.
With the world feeding us lies and spiritual falsehoods about God, we might wonder if He even cares at all about us. There are some heretical false “Christian” denominations that say the Supreme Being has little, if any, involvement with mankind and life on earth. Our psalm declares that to be a lie (vs. 13-15). God sees and knows the hearts of men, and nothing is hidden from Him (Hebrews 4:13). He searches every heart and thought (I Chronicles 28:9).
We are urged not to trust in our nation, or any other nation’s military might for deliverance (vs. 16-19). Earthly strength, such as military power and wealth, cannot save us. Only having trust in the Lord Jesus will bring us true security. Those who fear Him, and hope in His mercy will be delivered. In the face of Satan’s attacks, whether they be psychological or physical attacks, we may attempt to use our own armor, our own power or intellect to counter them. However, our own efforts are hopelessly ineffective. We cannot earn our salvation, and we cannot defeat Satan on our own. Our only hope is found in the Lord Jesus.
Our psalmist concludes by declaring that we can trust in God and His unfailing love (vs. 20-22). Throughout this passage of Scripture we are assured that God’s Word is true and trustworthy, and that it is without error. He spoke the Word, and all creation came into existence. Everyone, including all of the nations that oppose Him, are subject to His will. When we trust and believe Jesus and His Word, we are assured of His deliverance.
No comments:
Post a Comment