Apparently, the author of Ps. 119 prizes the word to the same extent as David does in Ps. 19:7. Listen to this sampling—Ps. 119:25 My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!…28 My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!…50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life…93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life…107 I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word!…156 Great is your mercy, O Lord; give me life according to your rules.
Now imagine replacing the word in those verses with something from creation—”Give me life according to your sun or seas or clouds.” That’s ludicrous, but that should be directly compared to thoughts like this: “My soul is in trouble Lord; it’s weighed down with burdens, temptations and worry. Give me life according to psychology; give me life according to science; give me life according to the principles of successful businessmen; give me life according to the eloquence and entertainment of man.”
If we want to diagnose why we attempt to renew our soul by other means besides the word, it’s for one, simple reason—we don’t believe in the power of the word; namely, we don’t believe it is exhaustive nor do we believe it is able to impart spiritual life.