What If There Was No Word?
What would happen if the sun suddenly disappeared?
Physicists say that due to our distance from the sun that we wouldn't even notice it for about 8 minutes and 20 seconds.
The world would then go dark. The only light we would receive would be that of distant stars. Photosynthesis would end, and almost every plant on the planet would begin to die. 99% of all organisms are dependent on the sun. There would be widespread death.
At the end of the first week, the average temperature on the surface of The Earth would be 32 degrees Fahrenheit. At the end of the first year, the temperature would drop to -100. The oceans would freeze over, and the land would be a frozen rock.
The sun is important to our planet.
Psalm 19 begins with a celebration of the sun. Day by day, the sun proclaims that God is faithful (v. 2). As the sun declares that God is powerful as there is not a person on the planet that can deny it's presence (v. 3-4). Like a bridegroom joyously leaving his chamber to meet his bride, the morning and the evening sun remind us that its creator is beautiful (v. 5). Like the creatures of the Earth depend on the sun's heat, we are reminded that our God is essential to our existence (v. 6).
The sun declares the glory of God faithfully, beautifully, joyously, and powerfully.
As critical as the sun is to the earth, so is the Word of God to the human soul.
After celebrating the sun, David celebrates the Word of God. He does so with 6 statements. In each statement, he offers a synonym, quality, and an observation of the impact of the Word of God.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.
Psalm 19:7-9
If the absence of the sun would turn our planet into a dead, dark, frozen rock, how destructive is an absence of the Word of God to our soul?
A 2019 study by Lifeway found that amongst Protestant churchgoers:
- 32% read the Bible every day.
- 27% read the Bible a few times a week.
- 28% read the Bible once in a while.
- 12% rarely read the Bible.
Perhaps the reason so many say that their church is dead is because its members live daily like a planet with no sun.
We need the Word of God! It is:
- Desirable and valuable like gold (v. 10)
- Enjoyable like honey (v. 10)
- Helpful as it warns God's servant (v. 11)
- Profitable is it has great reward (v. 11).
Earth needs the sun. You need the Word of God.
Bible Study and Challenge
Read Psalm 19.
- List at least 5 characteristics of God's Word from this passage.
- What are the promises of God in this passage?
- What is a principle you take away from this passage you can apply today?
Go through the six statements about God's Word in verses 7-9. Use each statement to reflect on how God's word has impacted you. How has it:
- revived your soul?
- made you wise?
- rejoiced your heart?
- enlightened your eyes?
- endured during a difficult time of your life?
- helped you do right?
After you reflect on these six things. Praise God for them in prayer.
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