Refreshment for the soul- Psalms 19:7


In Psalms 19:7-11, David describes the magnificence of God’s Word. He commences the description in verse 7 -  The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.

 

Man is essentially a spiritual being within the physical body. Genesis 2:7 tell us:  Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

 

Man is not just matter but matter plus spirit. Genesis 1:26 further tells us that man was made in the image of God. That is why while the physical environment is the habitant for all other creation, for man God is his habitant. Acts 17:28 further amplifies this proposition by stating - For in him we live and move and have our being. The inference is, as long as man is not within this habitant, he is dead spiritually.

 

Being a spiritual being, more important than physical nourishment is the spiritual sustenance.  No wonder Jesus said in Mathew 4:4 - ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

 

The psalmist obviously understood this divine symmetry and in his first commendation for the Word says it is perfect and refreshes the soul. 

 

In today’s world there is so much research and recommendations given by dieticians  as to what constitutes a “balanced diet” for the somatic perishable body. And this is constantly changing to fit our ever changing environment and physical needs. There's no one perfect formula. 

 

But for the spiritual, there is one perfect diet and it has been constant since time immemorial – the law or the Word of God and the Lord Jesus alluded to it.

 

If you are a long distance runner and after completing a long routine, you know how refreshing a glass of cold water is. That is the same imagery that is portrayed here. God’s Word is perfect for the weary and the desperately thirsty. It gives life to those who need it and revives the human spirit when it is downcast. “He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Psalms 23:3

 

The NKJV renders it in this manner - The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. The word “converting” here refers to a turning back, restoring a person who has gone away, back to God. How aptly Paul tells young Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.


The Word of God keeps us in check, when our weary steps falters or sometimes take a wrong turn. It converts, brings back, restores the soul. 

 

Just as a well-balanced diet keeps us healthy, strong and disease resistance, a strong daily dose of God’s Word does the same for our spirit. Psalms 119:11 - Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

 

Make sure you had yours today.

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