His Word
Hello Bride of Christ,
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) How? He spoke it into existence. God starts His written word by displaying the impact of His spoken words. Yet His word goes unread by most Christians. In America, more than fifty percent of Christians have read little to none of the bible according to Lifeway Research. The word of God roots Christians in truth and establishes them with unshakeable faith. However, it takes reading the word daily for the establishment of deep roots.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
Poetically the Psalmist writes of the impact of God’s word in his life for the phrase “Your word” appears 39 times in the 176 verses of Psalm 119. Twenty-two percent of this Psalm speaks of God’s word! Displaying God’s word not only created life but sustains it. Why then do Christians not read it?
Faith.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith. The English Standard Version (ESV) provides great insight, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) When belief meets conviction it produces action. When a Christian believes to the point of conviction the source and sustainer of life come from the word of God then they read it.
It does not stop with reading though. The fruit of faith with conviction produces reading the word with purpose.
The Psalmist believes God’s word is pure; therefore he loves it (Psalm 119:140). The Psalmist’s faith declares God’s word to be truth (Psalm 119:160), therefore he desires to live in accordance with God’s word regarding all aspects of life. Accordance, meaning in alignment with God.
His faith produces a desire to live in accordance with God in reconciliation:
“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:9)
“Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord – Your salvation according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:41)
“I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; be merciful to me according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:58)
A desire to live according to God’s word for revival & strength:
“My soul clings to dust; revive me according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:25)
“My soul melts from heaviness, strengthen me according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:28)
“You have dealt well with Your servant, O Lord, according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:65)
“Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Your word to Your servant.” (Psalm 119:76)
A desire to live according to God’s word for direction & guidance:
“Uphold me according to Your word that I may live; and do not let me be ashamed of my hope.” (Psalm 119:116)
“Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.” (Psalm 119:133)
“Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word.” (Psalm 119:17)
“Establish Your word to Your servant, who is devoted to fearing You.” (Psalm 119:38)
“The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130)
This Psalmist’s faith causes intentionality of reading God’s word daily, and treating God’s word like a precious treasure of high value. For this writer states, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) “I will delight myself in Your statues, I will not forget Your word.” (Psalm 119:16) “You are my portion, O Lord; I have said that I would keep Your words.” (Psalm 119:57) “How sweet is Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103)
Bride of Christ, let zeal for God’s word consume you. Let His words which formed everything you see, touch, smell, and taste renew your mind into the mind of Christ. Be different from the majority. Open His word. Read it. Practice it. Hide it in your heart.
