I give thanks for my Bible, The precious Word of God.
It saves and keeps and satisfies along the path I trod.
This Book has been my Companion, Oh, the times it has comforted me.
It has encouraged my heart, and made me glad,
And from sin has set me free.
Of all the books that I have read, my Bible alone stands tall,
Though books I’ll have until I die, this Book excels them all.
So I’ll take my Bible where’re I go, It will be my constant Guide,
When friends forsake me, and life’s hopes fail me,
In this Book I will confide.
— MHB
This Lord’s Day I have been asked to share in our worship service by reading Psalm 19. I have loved reading the Scriptures since the very first day I was born again into the family of God. When I went away to Bible College my pastor gave to me a new leather-bound, gold-edged King James Version Scofield Reference Bible. He said this was the version that Paul the Apostle had used and I should have one too! Today most of us have more Bibles than we need. The problem is that they often remain “unread.” Early on I learned that the most desirable time to read the Bible is as often as possible and that I should get everything out of it; do not read anything into it; and let nothing remain unread in it.
As I was preparing for the reading of Psalm 19, I was reminded of a message I once preached upon this text. It is a beautiful Psalm depicting the nature of God in revealing Himself to man. It consists of His general revelation to all mankind (vs. 1-6); His special revelation through His Scriptures to those who are His redeemed people (vs. 7-11); and what our response to His Holy Word should be (vs. 12-14). I love what Derek Kidner states in his profitable volume on the Psalms: In verses 1-6 we see God in the skies, and in verses 7-14, we see God in the Scriptures!
In Psalm 19:7-9, six distinguishable titles and attributes are given to the Scriptures and in verses 10-13, five reasons are given why the Bible should be our most precious possession. I will simply list them for your meditation.
The Titles and Attributes of Scripture
The LAW of the Lord is perfect – Psalm 19:7a
The TESTIMONY of the Lord is sure – Psalm 19:7b
The STATUTES of the Lord are right – Psalm 19:8a
The COMMANDMENT of the Lord is pure – Psalm 19:8b
The FEAR of the Lord endures forever – Psalm 19:9a
The JUDGMENTS of the Lord are true – Psalm 19:9b
Reasons the Bible is the Pilgrim’s Precious Possession
It is our prized possession – Psalm 19:10a
It is sweeter than sweet – Psalm 19:10b
It is a supportive safeguard – Psalm 19:11a
It is a moral motivator – Psalm 19:11b
It is a patient purifier – Psalm 19:12-13
As I have the privilege of once again opening the Scriptures and reading them in a service committed to worshipping the Lord it is my prayer that the Holy Spirit might help us to see the majesty of our Maker and the wonder of His Word. May we always acknowledge the Scriptures as a precious possession to be treasured. May our prayer be that of David as he closes his Psalm: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.”
A little bit of “Daily Light” makes the pathway clear,
A little of His Word each day, helps remove the fear.
I’m thankful for His “Daily Light” which brings such peace of mind,
It never ceases to encourage me as great treasures therein I find.
This “Daily Light” will guide me while through this life I go,
T’will be my constant companion daily restoring my soul.
— MHB
— Maynard H. Belt