Psalm 119:89-90 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
God’s Word is Always New
God’s people have long loved Psalm 119 where nearly every verse is a reference to God’s Word. Psalm 119:89 has long been quoted as an affirmation that God’s Word is eternal. It says, “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” God’s Word is not merely ancient, it is eternal. There is a difference between something that is old and something that is eternal. Something that is eternal is always new. We have often heard that God’s Word is older than the men whom God used to pen it. That is true, but I don’t think that is the only way that God is thinking about eternity.
Eternity goes back forever. It also goes forward forever and radiates out indefinitely. So, yes, God’s Word is eternally past, eternally old, but it is not limited to the past. The psalm here is emphasizing more the fact that God’s Word will abide forever. The next verse says, “Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.” Then he gives a personal testimony in verse 92-94, “Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. I am thine, save me.”
In verse 96 He draws a contrast, “I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.” What is he saying? God’s Word is older than the men who penned it, but it is newer than the world you will face tomorrow. That is mind-blowing! How can God’s Word be newer than something that hasn’t even occurred yet? We need to realize that God’s Word is eternal and that it is a reflection of God Himself.
God’s Word is not merely the old, old book; it is the ancient book. It is not merely the ancient book; it is the eternal book. Because it is eternal, it is always new. You can trust the Bible for your life, to be authoritative and new, a guidepost for generations you can’t even imagine today. God’s Word was here long before you came, and it will be here long after you are gone. It it will give guidance to any humble heart who will trust God despite what is going on in the world around.
God’s Word was established and settled in Heaven, but it works here on earth.