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Life in the Word

“Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things and give me life through your word.”¹

In Psalm 119:16-176, we see the psalmist’s description of God’s word. It is a beautiful relationship he shares with God through the obedience to His word. Similar to the psalmist, an unknown author once wrote:

“This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for eternity.”

If you, like me, have spent any amount of time reading God’s word, I am sure we could think of several times where we could relate to the descriptions above. Personally speaking, I have often found comfort, guidance, and hope when spending time with God in His word. The thing is, however, that although we “know” the importance of reading God’s word and the power found therein, we often neglect to make it a priority in our lives. We go through the day pulling on our own human knowledge and limited understanding to face life. This many times leaves us stressed, confused, full of regret, and with a sense of “burn out”. But God did not intend for us to go through this life alone, which is why he left us his Holy Spirit as our Comforter and His Word to light our path. We can find truth and experience true joy by abiding in God’s word and living in relationship with Him. However, whether we do or don’t is our choice. What will you choose today?

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for your Word which is where I can find all that I need to live. Forgive me for trying to rely on my own understanding more than on You. Help me make my time with you a priority, so that I, like the psalmist, can experience the beauty found in a life lived in relationship with you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

1. Psalm 119:33-37 (NLT).

 

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.