How Firm A Foundation
“Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts.” Psalm 119:89-94 (NIV)
Chapter 119 of the book of Psalm has several special features including the length, using the Hebrew alphabet in defining the sonnets and writing style. One of the strongest themes of this chapter is the importance of God’s Word to us. The writer makes it very clear through many repetitions that this is “the foundation“ of a believer.
It is no secret that the foundation of a structure determines its strength and stability. So it is with our walk with Christ. In this one chapter (although very long), the following words comprise facets of God’s Word to the writer, King David:
”law” appears 25 times meaning “direction and instruction”
“word” appears 20 times meaning “God’s revelation”
“commandments” appears 21 times meaning “definite, authoritative
commands” “statutes” appears 21 times meaning “enacted laws, decrees” “precepts” appears 21 times meaning “injunctions”
King David had experienced his share of battles on many fronts. He is very clear, however, what keeps him, preserves him, sustains him and comforts him—it is his mediation on the Word of the Lord. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path”. (v. 105) In other words, David would stumble through darkness without the illumination of God’s direction. That is why he loved the Word of God so much—it was sweet to him, just like honey. The more he mediated on the Word, the harder he pursued it and couldn’t do without it. May it be so for us.
In a world that is claiming to have no absolutes, they failed to believe the above passage that God’s word is eternal throughout all generations. God’s Word is the absolute truth, the source of strength, comfort, deliverance, conduct and renewal of mind and spirit. It is foundational!
There is an old hymn that I love published in 1787 called, “How Firm a Foundation.” The first three lines says:
“How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in his excellent word! What more can he say than to you he hath said (My translation: God has left nothing out of His Word needed for a vibrant life in Him)
You want a life that can handle any storm, trial or loss; build your foundation on the Word of God that is true, timeless and the ultimate game changer in this perishing world.
Pastor Ruth Kaunley