Psalm 19: Comfort from Scripture
TOM WAS FRIGHTENED before going to surgery. I shared thoughts with him from Psalm 23 about our Shepherd who gives us all we need and goes with us through dark valleys. Tom didn't have to be afraid, because Jesus was with him. He seemed to be at peace. Sharing Scripture may not always be the right thing to help someone, but often it is. Psalm 19 describes what Scripture is like and how it can offer comfort.
Warming Up to God
Reflect on some of your favorite words from Scripture. You may want to turn to the passage and reread it. Drink in the comfort those familiar words bring.
Read Psalm 19. »
Discovering the Word
- What does creation reveal about God (vv. 1-6)?
- The terms law, statutes, precepts, commands and ordinancesin this passage are synonyms for Scripture. In verses 7-11, how are the Scriptures described?
- What do they do?
- What is the overall effect of the psalmist's encounter with God through nature and the Scriptures (vv. 12-14)?
Applying the Word
- From which of the effects of Scripture listed in verses 7-11 have you benefitted?
- How has this psalm been helpful to you by offering insight or comfort?
- Sharing Scripture can be done in three ways. The first and most obvious way is sharing a passage or verse directly. The second is sharing how we have been affected or changed by Scripture. The third is simply living out the principles of Scripture. How might you appropriately and effectively share Scripture with someone in need this week?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to make Scripture alive and active in you this week. Pray that he will help you share his Word, either directly or through actions, with someone in need.
For Further Study
God's Comfort by Jack Kuhatschek