The Word That Transforms

June 3, 2026,

Dear Friends,

It is relatively easy to acquire knowledge. It is a completely different story to put that knowledge into practice.

You can put in 45 hours of mandatory ground school instruction for your private pilot license, but that’s not the same as navigating an airplane at a busy airport in bad weather. Knowledge is necessary, but it must be appropriated if you are going to make a safe landing.

In a spiritual sense, it is possible to know the language of Scripture while neglecting the condition of the soul. The Word of God has the power to grip our souls and change us from the inside out. 

This is what the psalmist was getting at in Psalm 119:129-136. The caption of this section of the psalm is the Hebrew letter “Pe,” and it is the prayer of a man who does not merely want information from God; he wants to be transformed by God.

Notice his language:

Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. Redeem me from human oppression, that I may obey your precepts. Make your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees. Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.

The writer continues to move from the wonder of God’s Word to a personal desire for it to change him inwardly. He is not merely studying truth for intellectual purposes. He wants the Word to search, guide, expose, and govern his life.

The Word of God transforms us in at least seven ways from these verses. God’s Word:

• Produces a yearning for obedience. When read in dependence upon the Spirit to illuminate God’s truth, it is so awe-inspiring that it draws our hearts to respond in obedience.

• gives light and understanding to life. When life seems confusing and dark, the Word is like a light that reveals the very mind of God.

• stirs within us a deep inner longing for more of it. Like a deer running to streams of water to quench its thirst, we can find refreshment and satisfaction in God’s Word.

• gives direction and keeps us from sin. When temptations come that could overwhelm us, God’s Word gives the instruction and the power to turn from sin and honor God.

• gives freedom from the cruelty of enemies. It shows us that God is the one who values and gives us worth. The words of the enemy have no sticking power against the truth.

• reveals the shining face of the LORD. The pages of Scripture display the delight that God has in His people. 

• brings tears to the eye because it shows the effects when its laws are broken. It not only hurts the law-breaker but it hurts the law-giver.

God’s Word is wonderful! It is not a dull, boring book but extraordinary. As we pray today for our prodigals and for revival, may we allow the Word of God to shape us into the image of His Son.

Warmly in Christ,

Bryan and Rachel