Wonderful Words of Life

A song that has been in my mind recently is Wonderful Words of Life. It is 150 years old, but the words still have meaning in our lives.

Here’s the first verse and chorus:

Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life,

Let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life;

Words of life and beauty teach me faith and duty.

Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life,

Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.

Our God does offer us wonderful words of life. Jesus said in Matthew 4:4 that, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

We need physical food to live and grow. Even more important is to be fed with spiritual food, for that not only sustains us here on this earth, but brings life forever with God in heaven.

The words of Jesus in this Bible verse come as Jesus is tempted by the devil in the wilderness. Jesus had been fasting 40 days and 40 nights. He was famished.

Then, the devil tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread so that Jesus might eat. Jesus responds to this, and the devil’s other temptations by quoting words of Scripture, words of life.

What is a temptation for you? How do you face temptations?

This story from Matthew is a great example of what we can do when we are tempted. Draw your strength from the Word of God. From the wonderful words of life.

What happens when a Christian consistently resists temptation?

With the help of God, it gets easier the next time you are tempted.

What steps do you need to take this week to resist the temptations you are facing now?

My hope and prayer for you is that one of those steps would include turning to God’s Word.

Christ, the blessed One, gives to all wonderful words of life;

Sinner, list to the loving call, wonderful words of life;

All so freely given, wooing us to heaven.

Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life,

Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.

Sweetly echo the Gospel call, wonderful words of life;

Offer pardon and peace to all, wonderful words of life;

Jesus, only Savior, sanctify us forever.

Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life,

Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.