The wonder of the Words of God (by Musings of a Pilgrim)
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Josh. 1:8,9)
When we talk about believing in the promises of God - this is one that we can hold on to. Certainly this was a verse that originally was given to Joshua alone from God. But at the same time, the same themes persist throughout the Bible. Those who trust and obey the Lord and the ones that ultimately triumph in this life and beyond. Why? What greater "prize" there is when God says "I am with you". What else do we really need?
How do we begin the process of trusting and obeying Him? Firstly we need to hear His voice. "My sheep hear my voice" (Jn. 10:27). That is why we must ponder upon the written words of God. I don't know about you but I find that we have lost the wonder of this holy book. Because it has become so accessible to us in the developed world - even on our smartphones - we have become complacent with God's Word. We do not treasure it as much as we should. When was the last time you picked up the Bible and just gave thanks to God for the privilege of being able to hear from Him? When was the last time you felt the awe and honour of opening the pages to read the precious and life-giving words within? How will you feel when one day, every Bible is outlawed and destroyed? Will that make any difference at all? My dearest friends, let us treasure the Words of God.
Secondly, not only do we read and speak about it, but we must meditate upon it. What does meditation mean? It almost gives me picture of digestion. Of allowing the time for the words to sink into our innermost beings. To spend unhurried time to allow the Words of God to filter into every corner of our being. Don't just walk away unchanged. We must be daily transformed (Rom 12:2).
Lastly but surely the most important step, we must do everything written in it. This is step that many will stumble. Why? Because too often we try to live out the commands of God with our own strength. Remember that it is only by the Spirit that we can do anything in the kingdom of God. Not by power, not by might but by Your Spirit (Zech 4:6). For without God, we can do nothing (of eternal significance).
Again we see here the flow from the mind to the heart to the hands. Don't let the Words of God get stuck in any of these steps. May His Words continue to be held precious in your life. Let us allow His Words to filter through everything that we plan and do. For surely, God is with us when we honour Him.
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