How many times have you, like I, delved into sin—be it addiction, sexual impropriety, gossip, pride, unbridled anger, slothfulness—in attempts to mask the pain of life? It’s all too easy to respond to the emptiness, disappointment, or hurt that we’re experiencing by turning away from God’s commands instead of to them.
Sin, however, never leads to the peace or lasting fulfillment we long for. On the contrary, choosing to take things into our own hands as we disobey God leads to heartache and often to deep depression.
It may be hard to understand how God’s Word can bring satisfaction to our lives when we believe we’re missing out on some human relationship or material comfort. Yet it’s only when we communicate with God and place our confidence in Him and His Word that we’ll experience peace that surpasses understanding and fulfillment that defies circumstances (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Timothy 6:6).
One place to turn in Scripture when you’re facing seemingly insurmountable trials is Psalm 119:1-176. The psalmist testifies to the encouragement that was and is available in God’s Word. There’s so much to learn from the writer as he implores God to open his eyes “to see the wonderful truths” in Scripture (Psalm 119:18). You can follow his lead by. . .
• Being guided by the wisdom found in God’s Word (Psalm 119:130).
• Living a godly life as revealed in His Word (Psalm 119:133).
• Seeking God and His love as presented in His Word (Psalm 119:135).
• Trusting God and His promises as modeled in His Word (Psalm 119:140).
Cry out to God. Turn to His Word. There and only there will you find the comfort and guidance you seek. Unfold His Word, and allow it to open your eyes.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 1:12-26
More:
Read Psalm 119:105 and consider why spending consistent time in God’s Word is essential for all believers in Jesus.
Next:
What promise from the Bible do you need to claim today? Why is it vital to meditate on Scripture all day long?
ehdlive on October 6, 2013 at 9:41 am
The world we are now living is so dark that potential dangers are always lurking to destroy us. Thank GOD for the Light of His Word that illuminates our way towards a life of genuine bliss.
LCC on October 7, 2013 at 12:29 am
Indeed God did not abandon us. He gave us both
the Holy Spirit and His Word for our journey as His
children in this life. He is a good God!
tom felten on October 7, 2013 at 2:45 pm
Good thoughts, LCC. And He also gave us one another—the church, the Body of Christ, as an abundant source of “motivation” and “encouragement” as we live out our faith together (Hebrews 10:24-25).