“The Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” — Vance Havner
“I know the Bible is inspired because it finds me at greater depths of my being than any other book.” — Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“He who has the Holy Spirit in his heart and the Scriptures in his hands has all he needs.” — Alexander MacLaren
“My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word” (Ps. 119:28).
This word “melt” means to drip or weep. “Heaviness” here indicates grief, sorrow, or depression. The Psalmist here was in a very tough spot. In essence he said, “My soul is dropping quickly — weeping with grief and sorrow. Lift me up according to your word!” What could be better than a scripture with your name on it in the midst of adversity? All who have walked with God know what a treasured thing it is to hear God’s voice speaking directly to their hearts by the Word. What a blessing it is when God quickens (makes alive) a word to your heart. Oh, the strength we draw, the peace we experience, and the comfort we feel from a life-giving, lifting word from God. Having a room full of Bibles will not help, but a single verse illumined to your heart brings empowerment.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, my wife wrote appropriate scripture verses on index cards. I would take these verses with me and read them. More than once I prayed, “Lord, I don’t know what to think, what to say, or what to pray. But I am going to read your Word, and I would welcome anything You want to say to me.” There are times in life when you are baffled, disturbed, and shocked. You may be so traumatized that you cannot pray. Like Abraham, you may find yourself in a “horror of great darkness” (Gen. 15:12). The best saints have gone through winter seasons of the soul. Elijah, Job, David, and John the Baptist all endured dark and trying spells. In times like these you need to get a word from God and park your mind on it. “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them” (Ps. 119:165).
God breathed his words into the minds of holy men who wrote the Bible. The word “inspired” means God-breathed. These men were carried along as they penned those sacred words. And what inspiration we draw from these God-breathed words! It has been said, “Peace rules the day when Christ rules the mind.” God breathed the breath of life into Adam, and he became a living soul. The breath of God, those inspired words, resuscitate us as well. They put the wind back in the sails of our fainting hearts. Quickening, enlivening, and life-giving — these all describe the effect the Holy Spirit has when He speaks a reviving word to our hearts.
Help is born and nurtured through the Word. “The Scripture is both the breeder and feeder of grace,” said Thomas Watson. You should ask the Lord for a special promise in dark times. The Psalmist heard from God and said, “This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me” (119:50). Furthermore, “Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors” (119:24). He found delight, which is sheer joy, from His testimonies. Those judgments gave guidance (counsel) and provided wisdom. Jeremiah the prophet echoed this idea: “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (Jer. 15:16). Internalizing God’s Word revives the soul. It brings incredible joy, which in turn will boost your energy. There is power and strength in the Word of God.
Thought Questions:
- Are you daily, actively reading and meditating on God’s Word?
- Are you reading the Word in faith and asking God to open it to your heart?
- Are you cultivating a heart of joy in the Lord?
Taken from “Extraordinary Strength in Adversity” by Harold Vaughan. CLICK HERE for more information on the book.
