In the Word: Reviving My Soul

Dear heart, does your soul need reviving? Do you find yourself in the midst of “many troubles and calamities” (Ps. 71:20)? Do you wonder if there is any relief from your heartbreak, any strength or energy to be found in the depths of sorrow? Do you question if there will ever be joy and gladness again in life after the loss of your precious child?

In deep grief, it is so tempting to turn to things that promise escape from the pain. But Psalm 19:7 tells us of the only place that is adequate to meet us in our pain and bring us up from the depths of sorrow. In this Psalm of David, we read how creation marvelously showcases God’s existence, and how powerful the Word of God is as a guide for our lives. God’s Word teaches us how to live in a way that brings great reward, and ultimately salvation, through Christ.

As the Psalm moves from the glories of creation to the power of God’s Word, we read in verse seven that the Word of God is “perfect, reviving the soul.”

The word “perfect” means:

• having all the required or desired elements, qualities, or characteristics
• as good as it is possible to be
• complete
• being entirely without fault or defect
• flawless

The word “revive” means:

• to restore to life
• to give new strength or energy to
• to become active or flourishing again.

In other words, the Word of God has all the required qualities and elements to minister to broken hearts.  There is nothing better than God’s Word because it is as good as it could possibly be. It is complete, without fault or defect, and flawless. God’s Word restores us to life, it give us new strength and energy, and it enables us to become active and flourishing again. Does this sound like something your soul needs? Then turn your weary and hurting soul to the Word of God.

In the days following our daughter’s fatal diagnosis, and again after her home-going, I found deep comfort in God’s Word. As I searched the Scriptures, I found revival for my soul and my broken heart was soothed. Perhaps some of these words will revive your soul as well:

• God heals my broken heart and binds up my wounds (Ps. 147:3).
• No matter what I face, God’s presence is always near to me; He goes with and before me (Ps. 34:18, Jos. 1:9).
• I can find refuge under the sheltering wings of the Almighty (Ps. 91:1).
• Darkness has not overcome the Light, but rather Jesus has overcome the world, which includes all my pain and heartbreak (Jn. 1:5; Jn. 16:33).
• God’s Word offers hope that the world cannot (Ps. 130:5).
• God’s power is displayed through my suffering and my suffering will not destroy me (2 Cor. 4:9).
• God cares about all the tears I cry, and I am not without hope in my sorrow (Ps. 56:8; 1 Thess. 4:13).
• I have hope that our daughter walks in truth in the presence of God (3 John 4).
• One day, God will wipe every tear from our eyes and will make all things new (Rev. 21:4-5).

Dear heart, there is no where better to turn in your grief than the truth of God’s Word. This world cannot revive your soul, it cannot restore you to life or cause your life to flourish once again. But God can. Let the power and comfort of His Word revive your soul. From the depths of sorrow, He will bring you up again.