Some people see very little value in spending time studying God’s Word. It just doesn’t trip their trigger; however, if they have an emergency they’ll be scrambling desperately to find quick answers in His Word. Even when they listen to a biblical sermon their mind drifts as they barely pay attention; or, they’ll discount the importance of it.
Others love God’s Word and seek His counsel daily. They are mindful of Paul’s words to Timothy, “You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:14-17). The spiritually sensitive people of God’s Word know it will instruct them in this life AND lead them to eternal life. Smart people!
Every once in a while our spiritual lights really come on and we have increased awareness of how living and active and powerful and wise the Word of God is in our lives. His Word speaks to peoples’ lives since the beginning and continues to speak to our lives today. At some point in our lives we need to echo the words of Moses from our hearts that “man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 8:3). Jesus knew the importance of God’s Word. We see it when He was tempted in the wilderness by Satan. With each temptation Jesus answered by quoting Scripture, including Deuteronomy 8:3. God’s word was not simply in His mind – it was in His heart.
The most important characteristic of God’s Word is that it leads us to a real, rich relationship with Him. That is ultimately what we are after. Like GPS leads us to a physical destination God’s Word leads us into that beautiful, valuable spiritual life with the Lord from here to glory.
Read Psalm 19 as it highlights God’s world (creation) and God’s Word. Both reveal YHWH to us. Then listen to Hungry by Kutless. May we not only have spiritual hunger – may His Word move us to help others who have so little.
Psalm 19
The heavens tell of the glory of God;
And their expanse declares the work of His hands.
Day to day pours forth speech,
And night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
Their voice is not heard.
Their line has gone out into all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.
In them He has placed a tent for the sun,
Which is like a groom coming out of his chamber;
It rejoices like a strong person to run his course.
Its rising is from one end of the heavens,
And its circuit to the other end of them;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
The Law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much pure gold;
Sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, Your servant is warned by them;
In keeping them there is great reward.
Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.
Also keep Your servant back from presumptuous sins;
Let them not rule over me;
Then I will be innocent,
And I will be blameless of great wrongdoing.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.