PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• With the exception of the word “privilege,” I’m a good speller. I credit two things: 1) I was taught phonemic awareness (which should be required learning, in my opinion), and 2) my mother would spend the 30-minute drive to my school with my spelling book propped against the steering wheel as she quizzed me. (Back then, we still had textbooks and apparently, Mom had a great deal of trust in her ability to multitask behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.) But with the exception of one word that stumps me every time, I don’t make too many spelling errors. I thought of this correlation as I was writing in my prayer journal this morning. I don’t have to think about how to spell because it’s so deeply ingrained in me.
The Word of God should be similarly ingrained. Most Christians are familiar with the Psalmist’s words that say, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth” (Psalm 119:11,13 ESV). But two others to consider include Joshua 1:8a ESV which says, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.” And in Colossians, Paul wrote, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” (Colossians 3:16a ESV).
With all that said, I stink at memorizing. But the act of regularly investing time in the Bible and studying His word has given me a solid foundation. While I may not get it word-for-word perfect, I can state the message. And thanks to online resources, finding Scripture is easier than ever!
So read your Bible! Many make the argument that they don’t have time. I’m not going to debate with anyone about their schedule or priorities, but it’s universally true that we will make time for what matters to us most. Maybe mornings are too chaotic and you’re too tired in the evenings. But you still have options. While I don’t recommend propping the Bible up against the steering wheel on the way to work, the Bible is available in audio format if you can’t physically read it.
Whatever you’ve got to do, make time for it. Let it soak into your heart so that knowing what the Bible says becomes easy for you. Know what it says so you can retrieve God’s word from your heart no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
Today, as you pray, thank God for His timeless word. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you hide His word in your heart. Ask Him to give you an unquenchable thirst for the Bible.
