Bible Reading: Psalm 119:1-88; 1 Corinthians 7:23-40
“Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me” Psalm 119:49-50 (KJV)
Many people have different experiences in life based on what they hope on. Some don’t even have hope at all thereby setting themselves up for all kinds of afflictions and troubles. A man without hope will eventually fall into depression someday and will be oppressed by the devil. A man with hope also gets afflicted too but handles it differently. The difference between these two sets of people is the information or working knowledge they have about how to live their lives.
We are strangers on this earth and every stranger needs a guide to direct him so as not to make a wrong turn. Psalms 119:19 (NLT) says, “I am but a foreigner here on earth; I need the guidance of your commands. Don’t hide them from me.” If we are to live successfully in life we need God’s word or commands to guide us through. He knows very well we don’t know our way around but we must ask Him to give us His law or word if we are to excel in life.
A successful life on earth does not mean there won’t be trouble or affliction, but Gods word already said He will be with us. The bible tells us He goes before us and with us and will not fail nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). David said in Psalm 23:4 (NIV), “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Despite all the afflictions David went through he still found joy in life through God’s word. Peter, a professional fisherman, was left frustrated after making no catch all night but when God’s word came his experience was different (Luke 5:1-5). God primarily leads us by His word.
The word of God brings Joy. Jeremiah 15:16a (KJV) says, “Thy words were found and I did eat them, and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart…” When there is joy from the Lord you gain strength. Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV), “… The joy of the LORD is your strength.” With the word of God comes joy and strength and you begin to live like an angel here on earth. Angel? Yes! Angels of God excel in strength because they receive and do God’s commandments (Psalm 103:20). Angels never fail.
Remember, if you fail in times of adversity or trouble it is because your strength is small (Proverbs 24:10). Build your strength by craving for and taking in more word from the LORD, only then can you thoroughly enjoy your stay on the earth.
Prayer: Dear Father, I thank You for Your word. I receive grace to crave and keep more of your word in my heart so as to live a successful life here on earth.