ACCORDING TO THY WORD

Sadly, it must be acknowledged that much that is done in Christendom today is not “according to thy word” Much of it is based on human wisdom. Some of the things we find in our own lives may also justify this criticism. Seventeen times in this psalm the writer uses these words, and clearly we must be selective. We shall look at verses 9, 28, 41, 65, 169.

Verse 9. Here the question is, How to adjust life? The psalmist’s answer is, “by the Word”. Human advice may be helpful, but can never take the place of the Word. The best human advice is that which directs us to the Scriptures. As the traveller needs an accurate map, so in the journey of life we need accurate guidance.

Verse 28. Here is a man in tears because of life’s experiences. In his depression, he listens to the voice of God, and finds strength. He finds his remedy through prayer. Paul was in trouble in Acts 18; he went to bed a frightened man, v. 9. There is no doubt that he prayed. Then the Lord spake to him in the night, “Be not afraid … no man shall … hurt thee”, vv. 9, 10. In the strength of God’s Word Paul continued, and souls were saved in Corinth.

Verse 41. Here the writer sees the Word of God as the channel for the full understanding of the mercies and salvation of God. Human books are good, but The Book is better. The way of salvation is found in the Word, and in all respects the salvation which is in Christ is in accordance with the Word. Saul (once a Pharisee) said, “I … thought … I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus”, Acts 26. 9, but the word from heaven revealed God’s salvation which became his.

Verse 65. “Thou hast dealt well with thy servant”. In the N.T., the Lord said, “When I sent you without purse, and scrip … lacked ye anything?”, Luke 22. 35. They answered, “Nothing”. He had promised to provide, and He did.

Verse 169. In the prayer, “give me understanding according to thy word”, this was not the understanding of the schools or of ancient wisdom. In Galatians 1. 14, Paul speaks of his religious knowledge prior to his conversion, “above many my equals”; then he speaks of God revealing the truth to him—only then he understood “according to thy word”.