The Wonder of the Scriptures
The dictionary defines the word wonderful this way: inspiring delight, pleasure, or admiration; extremely good; marvelous. It isn’t just an overused adjective; the concept of wonder is, I think, ingrained in all humans. The question is, where do we wonder? Many of us in American wonder at lesser things; idols such as social media, money, relationships, and fame.
Psalm 119:129 says this:
Your testimonies are wonderful;
Therefore my soul observes them.
This verse introduces the idea of finding wonder in God’s words (testimonies). Psalm 119 is the longest chapter of the Bible, and it’s a beautifully written poem that is structured to praise God for the benefits of His Scriptures. The anonymous author focuses on the wonders of God’s words in this section.
The Psalmist wasn’t just making a cliche statement; he was moved to wonder in the deepest part of himself, his soul. This led him to observe, or follow, God’s testimonies because they are wonderful. Perhaps you can relate to the author’s devotion and desire for the Bible; I can, because I have personally seen the benefits of Scripture in my own life. It has given me hope in darkness and strengthened me in difficult circumstances. Those who understand know that there is a deepness there.
Yet, despite finding delight, pleasure, and complete wonder in God’s word, I also know what it is like to get distracted. I’m someone who often forgets, or chooses other things over reading the Bible. I look back with regret on certain periods of my life where I found strength in people, or programs, or circumstances; things other than the Scriptures and in doing so I neglected the Word to my own detriment.
As this section of Psalm 119 continues, the author gives a few more reasons why we find God’s words wonderful—and reasons why we neglect it. God’s words give light and understanding (v. 130) and it is our deep need (v. 131). He prays for God’s favor (v. 132), to be established in the Scriptures (v. 33) and to not be distracted by sin (v. 133). He seeks to be rescued from his circumstances (v. 134) yet continues to learn what the Scriptures say (v. 135). This section of Psalm 119 closes with sadness for the author’s enemies, who have disregarded God’s words (v. 136). They do not see the wonder nor benefit of the Scriptures and the author grieves for the end that this will bring them.
God’s Word is wonderful. I’m grateful for men and women in my life who have shown me what it looks like to be devoted to the Scriptures. I’m grateful for examples from my mother and grandmother, watching them read and study their Bibles. I’m blessed to have sat under both my father’s preaching and my husband’s preaching, as men who are committed to the Bible alone. All these influences in my life have been great, but nothing compares to my own experience in the last twenty years, where I have been able to experience the wonder of the Bible myself, through reading, studying, and meditating on it.
Take some time today to open your Bible; you will never regret devoting yourself to it!
