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Psalm 19:8 (AMP)
The precepts of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
I must admit that there have been seasons when I was reading God’s Word, but the truth of God’s Word was not “bringing joy to the heart,” as in Psalm 19:8. Make no mistake, my experience had nothing to do with God’s Word. It was all me. During those seasons, I was busy and reading God’s Word was just another thing to do.
As believers, we should crave moments spent reading and meditating on God’s Word. Consider the following scriptures:
John 1:1 (NIV): In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Jeremiah 23:29 (ESV): Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?
Matthew 24:35 (NIV): Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
There is just no getting around the simple truth that, as believers, we must read God’s Word.
Let us reflect for a moment by asking the following question: Does my heart rejoice over God’s Word? If your answer is no, there is hope.
Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) tells us: Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. This verse lets us know that God is approachable. It lets us know that we can bring all our requests to God. Even the request for God to create in us a heart that wants to read His Word.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV) tells us: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. This verse lets us know that we do not need to be worrying about what we should or should not bring to God. It lets us know that we can bring everything to God. Even a request for God to create in us a heart that yearns for God’s Word.
God wants us to love His Word. God wants us to have hearts that are captivated by the truth of His Word.
God wants us to read and meditate on His Word. Where we learn more about God and what His Will is. Where the Word can transform us, making us more and more Christ-centered.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV) states: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Except where indicated, scripture references are from the American Standard Version (ASV), Darby Translation (DARBY), or King James Version (KJV) – all public domain.
