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Delighting In The Word

What do you think of the Bible? Is it really necessary to read, study, and meditate on it on a regular basis?

Most of you reading this article would probably answer the second question with a resounding, “Yes, it is very necessary that the Bible be a regular part of our lives.” You would say this because of the answer given to my first question. Here most of you would assert, “The Bible is the authoritative Word of God. It is the rule of faith and practice for the believer. Here God reveals himself as well as his plans for his people and the entire creation. Therefore, we must be in the Word on a regular basis so it will be in us.”

So, how is your regular reading and study of Scripture coming along? Maybe it’s more irregular than regular. Is it possibly more of a burden than a delight? Could you be approaching it like taking medicine? You know you need to take your medicine, but it goes down with difficulty. You have to force yourself to take your regular dose. So you take a deep breath and plunge into Scripture hoping it does its necessary work in you.

The result is that now your relationship with God hinges on your dutiful performance of your “quiet time”. It has become so quiet that you get easily distracted. Our world is busy and noisy so that doesn’t help. Or you’re so busy that days slip by before you realize you haven’t been in the Word.

Let me begin by saying there is no magic formula for getting it all together in this area of your life. So don’t look for five easy steps or a formula or study guide that resolves all of your problems. There are several places you can start so I will focus there.

First, take it slow. Begin with small steps. Take it easy. Don’t try to speed read through large passages of Scripture. You want the Word to be in you and not merely you in the Word. To paraphrase Psalm 1, “God blesses the individual who meditates on the Word.” We meditate on the precepts of God when we chew them over in our minds and think about their implications and applications. Think about them from different viewpoints or angles. Let them simmer for a while before your reach any conclusions.

In Psalm 119 we’re repeatedly reminded of the importance of meditating on God’s statutes.
Consider these verses from Psalm 119.

· V. 15—I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
· V. 23—Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.
· V. 27—Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.

Psalm 119 is significant because it’s a call to Bible delight. He challenges us to joyfully embrace God by means of or through his Word. For as he affirms in Psalm 119:35, “Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.

Second, when truth is uncovered for you or a teaching made plain—write it down. Keep a tablet or notebook handy for this purpose. Many of today’s technological gadgets and tools have a note taking feature. Use it. Don’t let the new ideas and understandings slip from your memory. Then when your study is finished follow the psalmist example in Psalm 119:13, With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. Reviewing what you have written will reinforce what you have learned.

Third, as you read and meditate on the Word, plead with God to give you understanding of the implications and application of the passage before you. Notice some of the ways the psalmist exemplifies what I am referring to in Psalm 119.

· V. 18—Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
· V. 27—Let me understand the teaching of your precepts.
· V. 34—Give me understanding.
· V. 35—Direct me in the path of your commands.
· V. 36—Turn my heart toward your statutes.
· V. 37—Turn my eyes away from worthless things.

What we have here is an understanding with a view to putting the teachings of the Word into practice. We need Divine enablement to do that. We cannot do it in our own strength.

Finally, there is the need to persevere when it becomes a struggle to maintain the practice of regularly reading and meditating on the Bible. Hard times will come and it will seem like you’re walking against the wind. Therefore, right at the start there needs to be a determination and commitment to stay the course. Occasional misses will come due to the issues of life and the problems that arise in the course of life but a constant failure is what I am addressing. Notice how this matter is addressed in Psalm 119.

· V. 5—Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees.
· V. 10—I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
· V. 28—My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
· V. 31—Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees, then I will keep them to the end.

So how is it with you? In the grind of life do you look forward with anticipation to meeting God in his Word? Or are you struggling to hold on? Go to God and say with the psalmist, “Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands” (Psalm 119:73).

Elder Jim Gordon