The hymn Wonderful Words of Life expresses the beauty of the Word God has revealed to us. With all of the disappointing things one may hear, it is refreshing to meditate on the remarkable truths taught in the Bible. Consider some of the specific reasons God’s Word is so wonderful.
First, consider that the Bible contains wonderful words from the Creator.
It is startling how many want God to speak to them, yet rarely pick up the book through which He does. God Almighty has spoken to you and me, and this should be appreciated.
To go a step further, though, what God has spoken to us are wonderful words of life. God’s Word is not just intended to satisfy a person’s curiosity about certain questions man has. The truths God gives us have a much deeper significance than this. As Peter said to Jesus in John 6:68, “You have the words of eternal life.”
Through His Word, God teaches us about the spiritual and eternal death we have earned by choosing to sin (Rom. 6:23a). He also teaches us about what He’s done so that we can receive spiritual, and ultimately eternal, life (Rom. 6:23b).
Further, He provides perfect guidance about what we must do to receive this life. In this sense, God’s Word is the perfect guide book for how to live (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
By explaining His plan of salvation to us, God has provided us wonderful words about His love.
Romans 5:8 says “God commends His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Through His Word, God teaches us that He so loved the world that He sent His Son to die for people who have sinned against Him. This is the greatest extent of love ever seen.
In addition to His love, inspired Scripture provides wonderful words about God’s providential care.
While “the face of the Lord is against those who do evil” (1 Pet. 3:12b), “the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears open to their prayer” (1 Pet. 3:12a).
God not only permits His children to approach Him in prayer, but He wants us to cast our anxiety on Him, because of His care for us (1 Pet. 5:7). God’s Word teaches us about One who is all-powerful, loving, and able to be approached at any minute of the day.
The truth of Scripture also contains wonderful words that give purpose.
Like Solomon, many spend life “under the sun” searching for meaning. Many seek fulfillment of purpose through possessions, popularity, power, hobbies, education, etc.
Solomon’s conclusion after searching for purpose in life was: “This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13). Learning and submitting to God’s instruction provides depth of meaning and purpose in life that cannot be found through worldly endeavors. It is a beautiful privilege to be able to please Him.
In addition to leading us to fulfillment of purpose, Scripture contains wonderful words that give joy.
Understanding, appreciating, and obeying God’s Word provides a basis for lasting, permanent joy. This is seen in the exhortation given in Philippians 4:4, which says, “Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, ‘Rejoice!’”
The word “always” indicates that such rejoicing is not contingent on temporal circumstances going our way all the time. The phrase “in the Lord” explains how one whose temporal circumstances are not ideal can still be filled with joy. The unmerited blessings God promises through His Word provide deep gratitude and joy to the faithful.
In addition to such joy, the Bible contains wonderful words that give hope.
The biblical concept of hope involves both a desire for something to happen in the future, and a confident expectation that what is desired will be realized.
Scripture provides certainty that the righteous will be raised to eternal life in heaven with God. Christ’s resurrection provides a real basis upon which the righteous can look forward to eternity in God’s direct presence (1 Pet. 1:3-5).
This leads to a final point to consider about the truth God has given us: He has provided us wonderful words we can trust.
God’s Word is infallible truth (John 17:17). It is the one source of information so perfect that no part of it need ever be doubted.
In consideration of His trustworthiness and the beauty of what He has given us, may each of us value, meditate on, and be grateful for, these wonderful words of life.
– Michael Hickox