Psalm 33:9
For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
Already in this Psalm we have reflected on the fact that
when God speaks, things happen. God says 'Stars!' and whole galaxies of them appear. His word is powerful not only in creation, but in the new creation that comes through the word of the gospel. God says 'Live!' and spiritually dead sinners are brought to life, as righteous children in God's family.
We've already acknowledged that God's words have a power
that our words can never have. His words are always effective. But in this verse we see another important difference between his words and ours. What God commands stands firm for as long as he intends. Our words, even when they work, wear off. How many times have we had to say the same thing to someone over and
over again? There are people I've known for years, who don't drink tea or coffee, who I still offer hot drinks to automatically. No matter how many times they tell me that they only want cold
water, they still have to say it again next time they visit. Their words don't last.
But God's word endures for ever. What he says stands firm.
He doesn't need to recreate the stars every night - they remain. Which is good news for us, if we have been called into new life through the death of Jesus. The word that brought us spiritual life never wears off. It doesn't have an expiry date. All God's promises to us last for ever. Let's praise and thank him for the assurance that gives us today.
