SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1164

“According to Your Word”

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105

I especially like reading Psalm 119 and I find myself lingering there meditating on the Word. Recently, I was struck by the repeat occurrence of the phrase ‘according to your Word’ and sought to delve deeper into those verses.

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. – Psalm 119:9

We guard our way to avoid willful sin by guarding our hearts. We guard our hearts through prayer and seeking the presence of the Lord continually – abiding in Him. It is simple: Go nowhere, say and do nothing without first acknowledging the presence of the Lord with you.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7

My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! – Psalm 119:25 – Psalm 119:28

Sometimes life in this fallen world repeatedly beats you down into the dust. You feel like there is no strength left in your body, mind or soul to get back up. Your soul melts away. Like water to a parched land, the Living Water of the Word of God will revive your heart and strengthen you to persevere in the power and might of the Holy Spirit.

But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. – 1 Samuel 30:6 – Zechariah 4:6

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. – Psalm 138:7

Life circumstances and difficulties notwithstanding, sometimes our health is afflicted, and we despair of life itself. As always, the Word of God is a light to our path and a comfort in our affliction.

I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word! This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. – Psalm 119:107 – Psalm 119:50

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise. – Jeremiah 17:14

Sometimes we can’t help but ask ‘Why, Lord?’ Through prayer and meditation on God’s Word the Holy Spirit who inspired these Words will also speak understanding, knowledge, and direction to light your path.

Let my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word! Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word. You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word. – Psalm 119:169-170 – Psalm 119:65

May the Word of God light your way, and bring you comfort, peace, and wholeness of spirit, mind and body.