The positive and precious descriptions of the different aspects of God’s Word are seemingly inexhaustible. Our study recently has found that the Word of God is perfect (Psalm 19:7), purifying (John 15:3), profitable (II Timothy 3:16-17), powerful (Hebrews 4:12) and prosperous (Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:2-3). It provides what we need for time and eternity.

As we consider further the blessings of God’s Holy Word in our lives, we see that it is palatable, providing satisfying nourishment for the soul.

When Jesus was “driven by the Spirit into the wilderness” after His baptism, He “fasted 40 days and nights,” as recorded in Matthew 3, and was very hungry. The tempter, the evil one, came to Him and challenged Him to turn stones into bread to satisfy His hunger. Jesus responded to him with the Word of God quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

Job said of the Word of God, “I have esteemed the Words of His mouth more than my necessary food,” (Job 23:12). David, in Psalm 19:10, declared of the judgments (Word) of the Lord, “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” Again we read in Psalm 119:103, “How sweet are Thy Words unto my taste, sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.” Jeremiah proclaimed, “Thy Words were found and I did eat them,” bringing joy and rejoicing to his heart (Jeremiah 15:16). As we consider further Bible benefits and blessings, we find that Word of God is peaceablefull of peace for the soul. Sometimes we all become weary and overwhelmed from the demands of life. At times like this, I love to go to the Psalms and just soak up the Scriptures until God brings that longed-for peace to my soul. Psalm 119:165 promises us, “Great peace have they that love Thy law (Word).”

The Gospel of our Lord is the Gospel of peace bringing the peace “with” God to us through our Lord Jesus Christ in salvation (I Peter 1:23). We read in Romans 10:15, “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:14-15 tells us it is the Gospel of peace we share with lost acquaintances, friends and family, “Stand therefore, having your loins girt (clothed) about with truth…and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace.” In several Scriptures the word “peace” is paired with the “truth” of God’s Word (Isaiah 35:6; Zechariah 8:19).

Finally, we rejoice that the Word of God is permanent. At one time, my wife, Melissia, wore her hair in a style that required her to visit the beauty salon occasionally for a permanent. It was puzzling to me that she would get a permanent and about nine months later she would need another one. I told her they needed to change the name of that process from “permanent” to “temporary,” but no one took my suggestion. There is nothing, however, temporary about God’s Word; it is eternal. Isaiah 55:8 declares, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the Word of our God shall stand forever.” Jesus declared in Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my Words shall not pass away.” Peter tells us the Word of God “liveth and abideth forever” and it “endureth” for ever (Ch. 1, Vs. 23-25).

“Thank you, Lord, for Your precious Word whose value exceeds anything our minds can comprehend.” Assigned reading for the week (smile): Psalm 119. Amen!

— Randy Zinn is pastor of Russell Missionary Baptist Church, Russell, Ark.; formerly of Okmulgee.