Devotionals by Pastor Chuck Swindoll

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. (2 Timothy 3:14-16)

What benefits come my way when I rely on this marvelous Book?  

First benefit: stability in the midst of storms. I realize you have not been immune to stormy times in your life. No doubt you bear the marks and the scars, the hurt and the pain in your face. And if you could see me, you’d see them in mine. That’s part of being in the human race. But the wonderful thing about relying on God’s Book is that it gives you stability. No other counsel will get you through in the long haul like the stability that comes from God’s Book.  

Here’s the second benefit: insight.

I have more insight than all my teachers,
For Your testimonies are my meditation. (Psalm 119:99 NASB)

Students love verse 99! But it doesn’t mean you can pull rank on your prof (I’d not suggest that you try that). It says you will have insight rather than intimidation. I’ve observed that when people really get a knowledge of the Scriptures and begin to rely on that knowledge and see it work in their lives, they are less and less threatened by such attacks. They can face criticism and important people and strong words and even be outnumbered in an education scene, but not intimidated, because they have the truth which gives them insight … the ability to see beyond the obvious.

A third benefit is seen here:

I understand more than the aged,
because I have observed Your precepts. (119:100 NASB 1995)

We gain maturity beyond our years by relying on Scripture. I don’t meet too many people who say, “I’m very satisfied with my level of maturity.” Most people I talk to say, “I’d love to grow up. I’d love to be stronger in my faith. I’d love to learn from the dumb mistakes I have made and not keep making them. I’d love to be mature.” The hope for such maturity is in God’s Word. You will have “understanding more than the aged” as you rely on this Book.

Taken from Growing Deep in the Christian Life by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 1986, 1995 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Used by permission of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. www.harpercollinschristian.com

Used with permission. All rights reserved.

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