The Antidote

"If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my misery."

(Psalm 119:92)

In the 1970's, the United Negro College Fund launched an iconic ad campaign that culminated with the tagline: "Because a mind is a terrible thing to waste." 45+ years and $1Billion later, it was extremely effective. And rightly so. Our minds are extremely complex (and powerful)... but I'm not specifically talking about mental illness (though that is a legitimate concern in this country)... but about those times when negative thinking starts taking over.

We've all been there, haven't we? We have a few setbacks... a few bad medical reports... or a relationship that ends... or we have problems at work... or financial challenges... or (I could go on and one). Sometimes (most times?) we're able to take these experiences as they come and adapt. But sometimes they stop us in our tracks. They send us into an emotional tailspin, and we're overwhelmed. Sometimes the mire of misery grabs hold, and we get stuck. Badly stuck.

The writer of Psalm 119 understood this. S/he penned, "If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my misery." We all have had moments of misery and despondence. But there is an antidote... a vaccine, if you will: SCRIPTURE. (And I'm not just saying it because I'm a pastor, either. I truly believe it!) When we spend time reading the Bible, we discover an over-arching theme of personal value, worth, and grace that abounds.

It has taken me years to figure this out. Prior to a decade or so ago, I would read scripture begrudgingly - because I knew I "should," not because I had a deep desire to. It all change when I stopped reading for information, and read for transformation (or devotion!). This isn't an "open the Bible and point to a random verse" kind of reading strategy. Nor a "find this verse for this issue" strategy. It's a "grand sweep" reading... a BIG PICTURE framework. Over and over the Bible reminds me of how much God loves me, cares for me, has plans for me, and even forgives me when I mess up.

Later in Psalm 119, the author says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps. 199:105). So true. When I begin to feel the grip of misery starting to tighten, may I remember there is an antidote: Scripture!

Keep me grounded, Lord.