The Next Chapter -Taking God at His Word, Ch 1

Kevin DeYoung begins his book with a look at the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, which he calls a love poem. However, this poem is not about the type of romantic, wide-eyed love we usually associate with a love poem. It is a love poem about the Bible itself and it's vital role in the life and heart of the psalmist. 

DeYoung says there are typically three responses Bible readers have to Psalm 119, each of them revealing our heart's approach to the word of God:

• Skepticism or cynicism - a lack of belief or conviction about the divine inspiration  of the word. 
• Boredom or tedium - a lack of enthusiasm for the word of God. 
• A true, heart-felt resonance with the word, allowing it to nourish our spirits and to become the song of our hearts.

According to the author, Psalm 119 shows us what to believe about the word of God (it is true, right and provides what is good). It also shows us what we should feel about the word of God (delight, desire and dependence). Perhaps most importantly, Psalm 119 shows us what we should do about the word of God (sing it, speak it, study it, store it up, obey it, praise God for it, pray it.)   

Using this Psalm as an example, the book promises to

unpack what the Bible says about the Bible. This is a great start, calling attention to the nature of the Bible and the role it should play in our lives. DeYoung maintains and hopes to prove that the Bible is "knowable necessary and enough". 

The stage us set for a practical discussion about the Bible and how we approach it. What thoughts do you have about the first chapter? Have you read Psalm 119? Perhaps right now would be a good time to pause, read it and leave your thoughts.