How blessed is the person who can honestly speak the words in this Psalm with a clean conscience? Even though we fail and fall short of Christ's standards every day, when we repent and get back on that narrow road, when our hands once again grasp the rod of iron, we're back on the Way.

Anyone who has called and cried to God has probably, at one point or another, felt like their pleas fell on deaf ears. Sometimes it seems like our prayers never float higher than the ceiling. But this Psalm reminds us that our prayers come before Him ... even into His ears.

Are you weighed down by a burden right now? If so, then we hope you remember that you don't have to carry it alone. God is ready and willing to make heavy burdens light. How? The church! When Jesus instituted the church, He intended it to serve many purposes, and one of those is as a support group of sorts. He commanded His followers to be His ambassadors on earth, and that means helping one another as Christ helps us. 

As we close the books on the last day of March, we're also closing the books on the first quarter of 2017. How has it gone for you so far? 

Why are we often surprised that obeying God takes courage? Today's Good Word clearly demonstrates that courage is needed for the job. The Lord's commandments are simple — love God and your neighbor as yourself — but the implications of His law touch every aspect of our lives ... and sometimes it's not easy to stick to the standard. 

A pillar of fire. A ball of curious workmanship. Glowing stones. A dove with a branch. God always guides His people, but that guidance doesn't always come in tangible form. Nevertheless, we all have access to a great light that will guide us through any wilderness with unfailing accuracy and truth. 

If you find yourself in the furnace of affliction today, then we sincerely hope that this Good Word brings you comfort. No matter the difficulties you face, God can use them for a good purpose. And that just might be to purify you because He's chosen you for something special.

Today's Good Word is a reminder that God's ways are ways of wisdom and order — not ignorance and chaos. This scripture is referring to how the church was supposed to provide relief for the poor and needy, but it can apply to most any of God's commandments to us.

Today's Good Word describes God as a shelter and stronghold. Have you ever felt like you needed a refuge from life's storms, whether they be troubling circumstances, deteriorating relationships, or crushing disappointments? So often we try to simply escape our troubles — via entertainment, work, or by other means — rather than let God protect and deliver us.

Today's Good Word reminds us that God is always there to shoulder our burdens. The adjacent verses in 1 Peter 5 encourage us to be humble, sober, and vigilant. We don't have to do this in our own strength. God gives us what we need to keep His commandments — what a comfort!

Today's Good Word is a reminder about our vine-branch connection with Christ. We can do nothing apart from Him.

We hope that today's Good Word reminds you of where you can find truth — the Holy Ghost within you. These days, there's a lot of confusion about what's right and wrong and what to do in certain situations. Scripture provides touchstones, overarching commandments to live by, but it doesn't directly answer every question you may have in life. That's when you can rely on the Holy Ghost to guide you in those specifics.

Today's Good Word is a reminder that earthly things don't last; only spiritual things are for eternity. So, as we each move forward into 2017 with many hopes and worries ahead, let's fix our sight on what matters most. 

There's nothing scary about Friday the 13th, but there is something scary about trying to live life in your own strength and not God's. Today's Good Word reminds us to seek the Lord's will and the Lord's plan. Since we aren't perfect, we also need His strength to keep His commands, follow His path, and stay true to His word. When we do this, we are seeking His face.

Today's Good Word is a reminder from Wednesday's article. As we close the chapter on the first full week of 2017, we encourage you to think about who you can share your testimony with this year.