As much as I’d like to deny it, but like most other people my prayer and devotional life
seems to be on a constant incline and decline. Along with trying to eat healthy and workout,
building a devotional habit can be hard to build up and keep going. What I find interesting
though is that nowhere within Scripture (as far as I can recall) are we once commanded to
“read” our Bibles. At least, not in those exact words. Instead, we are commanded to “hear”,
“reflect,” “meditate,” “consume,” “rejoice’” and “delight” in God’s Word.
The book of Psalms begins with this promise: Blessed is the man that walks not in the
counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, or sits in the seat of the scoffers; but his
delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree
planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all
that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3)
I find myself in a constant struggle to continue this way of life in God’s Word. I want to
meditate on it day and night. I want to hear it and rejoice in it. I want to believe, pray, and use
God’s Words faithfully in every aspect of my life. And I want to do this not because I think it’ll
make me a better person or win God’s favor towards me, but because I know that it’s God’s will
for my life and that it’s the best nourishment I need!
From Scripture we know that God’s Words are the “words of eternal life” (John 6:68),
and that faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). We
also learn that the Lord’s Words is our treasure (Psalm 19:10), our joy (Psalm 119:111), our light
and salvation (Psalm 119:105), and it gives us wisdom (Psalm 119:98) and peace (Psalm
119:165) and the list is endless!
The Lord’s Word also informs our prayers. When we pray, we’re not just pulling words
out of our heads, but rather, we’re drawing from God’s own words to us in Scripture. His Words
are what forms our prayers and devotional life. His Words are what shape our hearts, minds,
and souls and every part of what we are and who we are.
For example, when we pray, we’re keeping the Second Commandment because it’s then
that we’re using the Lord’s name in a good and pleasing way. And when we meditate and
rejoice in God’s Word, we’re keeping the Third Commandment because it’s our calling to gladly
hear God’s Word and praise Him. This is what makes our days holy.
My journey in my devotional life, like yours, will never end. And that doesn’t overwhelm
me because I know I’m not on this journey alone. Not only do I have my family and my brothers
and sisters in Christ (that’s you!), but most of all, I have “the Word made flesh” Himself next to
me, every step of the way. It only starts with Jesus. It only continues in Jesus. And it will only
come to glory in Jesus. To Him be all glory, delight, and praise!
So let’s use this time of year to strengthen our walk with Christ. Let’s use this extra time
within these summer months and take every opportunity we can to hear, read, learn, and take
to heart God’s beautiful and life-giving Word!
In His service,
Pastor Noble