Rachel Whisman

I did not grow up Baptist, but apparently it is common practice to outline sermons with alliterations. This past week while preparing time with some ladies I grew curious about the themes of scripture throughout the Bible after attending a lecture on the sufficiency of scripture. The pastor, Randy Barlow, shared, “Scripture is not just sufficient, but it is superior. Ultimately, what does God say about His word, not what do I say about it.” It was wind in my sails hearing that and it set me on a journey on meditating on the themes I have seen in scripture. I started with one “p” but then that quickly escalated and I could not escape it. I pray even if you have read the scriptures or are new to them that you may be encouraged with all that we have in them.

Priority. It has the right over my life and has authority over my thoughts, wants, desires, and wishes because it can change me. 2 Timothy 3:16 states “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped, for every good work.” 

Purposeful & Powerful. There is an end goal in mind and is not lacking in strength. It is capable of accomplishing what it is set out to do. Isaiah 55:11, “So shall my word that goes out forth from my mouth. It shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish all that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” 

Pierces. The word of God cuts and convicts us of our sins. Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than ANY two-edged swords, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” 

Perseveres. It can endure. It is eternal. Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the Word of God will stand forever.” 

Present. It is not absent nor unaware. The bible can guide and instruct me in every situation. 2 Peter 1:3, “His divine power has granted to us ALL things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who calles us to His own glory and excellence.” 

Path. A faithful course to follow and pursue. Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” and Galatians 5:16-17, “But I say walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”

Preserves Us. It can keep us from danger and sin. Psalm 119:59-60, “When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies; I hasten and do not delay” and Psalm 19:11, “Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 

Pure. It is without blemish and perfect. Nothing is wrong or out of place. It is set apart. Psalm 119: 160, “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” 

Precious: Nothing is better. It is rare yet possessing all that we need to direct our hearts to the Lord. Psalm 19:10, “More to be desired than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb” and Psalm 119:162, “I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.” 

Perfect: The scriptures are without error and provides everything I need. Nothing more needs to be added to it. Psalm 19:11, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure. 

Provides Instruction. Full of rightly fitting commands that we receive to obey as acts of worship to God and not ourselves. Proverbs 6:23 “For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life.

Peace. It is the only balm that has calmed my anxious thoughts and worries. It reminds me of who is in control and the security I have within Christ. Isaiah 26:3-4, “You keep him in PERFECT peace whose mind is stayed on you because He trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock” as well as Isaiah 40:1 “Comfort, comfort, comfort, my people says your God.” Finally, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves have been comforted.” 

Pray. It is generous on how to align our hearts with God’s. It teaches us how to go to the Lord with our sorrows, praises, and pleas. Dig into the Pslams and pray through them, verse by verse, as circumstance, people, and your cares are weaved throughout. As well as Jesus models to us how to pray in Matthew 6:9, “Pray then like this.” Then in one of the most intimate moments in scripture, we see how Jesus prays with God in John 17 in Jesus’ high priestly prayer. 

Scripture should be our priority because it is purposeful, powerful, pierces, perseveres, present, is a path, preserves us, pure, precious, perfect, provides instruction, is peaceful, and shows us how to pray. There are more “p’s” out there for sure, but how incredible that we can read and take in this jewel of the word of God. Read. Dig in. Worship. Plant yourself firmly in His word and let it take your eyes off of yourself and onto our Father. As Tim Keller shares, “Keep reading and meditating until your heart gets warm, calm, convicted, and energized.” Your time in the word is not wasted. How can it ever be wasted hearing from the God who created the world? “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” James 4:8. An exhortation, command, and promise. What God says about His word is far better than whatever we can contrive. Go and feast on His word because we were made for it.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither…for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (Psalm 1: 1-3, 5)