God's commands, my delight

When I was reading from Psalm 119 this morning I remembered a line from Jim's sermon yesterday. About how when he was in college, people were asked how they deal with hardship or stress in life, and his response was to turn to the bible, and how people were shocked by that answer. I remember that line, because I was surprised that people would be shocked by that answer...about the need to turn to God's word in times of trouble, sorrow and hardship.

Here is what turned my thoughts to Jim's message:

89Forever, O LORD, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
92If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
94I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
95The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
96I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.

Now I will have to admit, is turning to God's word the first thing that I do when "stuff" happens? No. Idiot that I am. I always turn to family first. But I have noticed over the years that family(this includes good friends and church) isn't enough most of the time. That God's word is what settles my spirit and heart. God's word is what tells me, reminds me of what is most important. And I have learned, like this psalmist, to delight in the commands of God, they cover everything in life. God's word meets anything that life can throw at me. And that's rather cool.

Makes sense I suppose, that God's word can meet everything in life, considering that God is the one who made all, who sustains all and such like. But logic aside, it's still cool. All I have to do is remember what I already know. God's word will meet my needs, and I should turn to it first, instead of to family...not that family isn't important, and God has given them to me for a reason, but HE is more important, and HE is the one who ultimately settles my mind, spirit and heart.