There are few things that symbolize the word "permanent" better than the earth, the ancient planet we inhabit, the firm ground upon which we stand. It's stationary, fixed, and not going anywhere ... right?

Summertime is family time for many of us, with family vacations, reunions, weddings, and other events on the calendar. We thank God for the natural and spiritual families He's provided for us to enjoy and lean on for support.

It's very fashionable to take the wisdom of the ages and toss it out the window. Conventional truths that have been preserved and passed down from generation to generation used to command respect, but now, many people laugh at those truths and call them outdated.

We hope that today's Good Word inspires you to look around you at the marvelous things that the Lord has done — in nature, in the hearts of His creation, in working the plan of salvation.

Today's Good Word reminds us of a past article by Sister Linda Scolaro that defines the word "buckler," which is a small shield used in combination with a sword in battle. It's interesting that this verse in Psalms 18 references the word of the Lord, which is famously compared to a sword in Ephesians 6.

So often, when we're afflicted, troubled, discouraged, tempted, or lonely, we think that God is far away and unconcerned with our struggles. But this verse tells us that we are always on His radar. He sees us and will save us ... even His timing isn't our timing.

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.