Psalms of Summer: Psalm 19 and the reviving power of the Word

The Reviving Power of the Word

“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”
— Psalm 19:7–11

God’s Word revives us, makes us wise, brings joy, and enlightens our eyes. It is more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. In a world full of noise and conflicting voices, His words stand above all.

A Revival in Bible Reading

Did you know? Bible sales are soaring. The Wall Street Journal reports that sales of the "Golden Age" Bible edition are up 22% from last year. Bible apps are breaking records for new installs and daily use each month in 2024.

Research from Baylor University shows that reading the Bible regularly doesn’t just inform — it transforms. People who engage with Scripture are:

  • 30% less lonely

  • 59% less likely to look at pornography

  • 200% more likely to be generous

  • 228% more likely to share their faith

Reading the news might keep us updated on the world, but reading the Word equips us to share the hope of Jesus.

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” — Romans 15:4

The Essential Nature of Scripture

Understanding the Bible isn’t optional — it’s essential. Paul reminds us in Colossians:

“The gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.” — Colossians 1:6

The Bible is a rich tapestry of writings:

  • Narrative

  • Law

  • Poetry

  • Wisdom literature

  • Prophecy

  • Apocalyptic literature

  • Gospels

  • Letters (Epistles)

At the center of it all is Jesus.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” — John 1:1-2, 14

Scripture as Spiritual Nourishment

The Bible is described as:

  • Milk (1 Peter 2:2)

  • Meat (Hebrews 5:14)

  • Bread (Matthew 4:4)

  • Honey (Psalm 19:10)

  • Wisdom (Psalm 19:8)

  • Encouragement (Romans 15:4)

  • Direction (Psalm 119:105)

  • Faith (Romans 10:8)

  • Healing (Proverbs 16:24)

  • Hope (Romans 15:4)

Like a full meal, God’s Word satisfies and sustains every part of us.

A Call to Stand in Reverence

In Nehemiah 8, we see an extraordinary moment of revival as God’s people gathered:

“All the people gathered as one... They told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law... And Ezra read from it from early morning until midday... And the ears of all the people were attentive... And they stood up... And all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen,’ lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD.” (Nehemiah 8:1-10)

The people wept as they heard the Word, moved deeply by its truth and power. Yet they were reminded: “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Our Response

Today, we invite you to respond physically and spiritually — perhaps by standing, kneeling, or raising your hands — as we read Genesis 1–4 together.

We stand in a long line of believers who cherished and revered Scripture. Thanks to innovations like the Gutenberg printing press (which helped make the Bible widely available), and the later addition of chapters (1200s) and verses (1600s), we can engage with God’s Word like never before.

Let’s Read Together

Join us in this ongoing journey of Scripture reading and revival. You can watch and participate through our livestream here or join the Bible In A Year Reading Plan, where we read scripture daily communally.

Austin Largusa