The Power of Meditating on God's Word

If there's one thing that can bring peace and clarity to our lives, it's meditating on God's Word. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, taking time to reflect on the teachings and wisdom found in the scriptures can provide a sense of grounding and spiritual nourishment. Join me as we explore the power of meditating on God's Word and its potential to uplift and guide us in our journey.

What is it?

Let's start with the "what". What is the word of God? Well, historically speaking, the Word of God, the Bible, is the means by which God communicates with humanity. It is composed of writings that cover a span of about 1500 years with about 40 different writers. The Bible is real history! It encompasses:

1. Divine communication through prophets (e.g., direct messages in the Old Testament).
2. Sacred writings (e.g., Torah, Psalms, Prophets).
3. The Creative power of God (e.g., creation account in Genesis).
4. Jesus Christ as God the Son
5. The gospel message as preached by the followers of Christ.
6. Canonical scriptures as recognized by the early church.

In addition to these facts, there's a wealth of historical information about the origins of the Bible and its development into the form we recognize today. However, our goal isn't merely to understand the Bible's physical composition; we want to grasp its purpose. To uncover this, we can turn to the Bible itself. The following are just some of the scriptures that give us some insight:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that  "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."

Psalm 119:105 tells us the "Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Hebrews 4:12 explains "the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Romans 15:4 says "whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."

We can see just from these few scriptures that the Word of God serves multiple purposes in our lives, guiding us in different ways:

1. Teaching and Instruction: It provides sound doctrine and instruction in righteousness, helping us to understand God's will and live accordingly.
2. Reproof and Correction: It convicts us of our wrongdoings and guides us towards correction, fostering spiritual growth and moral integrity.
3. Guidance and Enlightenment: Like a lamp, it illuminates our path, offering wisdom and direction in times of uncertainty.
4. Spiritual Vitality: Its living and active nature sharpens our spiritual discernment, revealing the deeper intentions and thoughts of our hearts.
5. Hope and Encouragement: It imparts hope and comfort, reminding us of God's faithfulness and the eternal promises He has made to His people.

By delving into the scriptures, we not only enrich our knowledge but also deepen our relationship with God. The Bible isn't just a historical document; it's a living guide that shapes our faith and our daily lives. Embracing its teachings leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful existence, aligned with the divine will.

How to Read it?

Now that we have an idea of what the Word of God is, and the type of power it possesses, how do we actually go about reading it? Now lets be honest, if you have never read the Bible and you are not a regular church goer, the Word of God is not a book people tend to naturally be enticed by. And this fact is pretty unfortunate because the title "Word of God" is enticing in and of itself. The problem is that we as a society, at least in America, have watered down the meaning and importance of this title. That being said, we don't naturally have a desire to open it up without someone prompting us. Or maybe we've heard enough about it to feel too intimidated by its content or our ability to comprehend it. Whatever the case may be, the first step needs to be overcoming the barrier that prevents us from opening it up.

• Choose a good translation: In some denominations choosing the right Bible translation can be a topic up for debate (or not so much). But putting that aside, starting off you may want to choose a translation that is easy for you to understand. You definitely want to consider using a study Bible with helpful notes and explanations as this will further assist in your comprehension.
• Start small and be consistent: 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us to "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.". Even dedicating just a few minutes each day to reading and reflecting on the Bible can make a significant difference. The idea is that you want to be able to form a habit, and you want to be able to connect the dots. Because scripture interprets scripture, the more you read it, the more things will start to connect.
• Use a devotional: A devotional, in this context, is typically a short story, testimony, or any other form of structured content designed to guide readers through specific passages of the Bible, offering interpretations and insights to help you apply biblical principles to your daily lives. This is a great way to get into the scripture because it provides an applicable knowledge of the passage(s) being read.
• Pray before and after: As we already discovered, the Word of God is exactly that, God's Word. It is alive and therefore we want to make sure we are allowing God to speak to us through it. Praying before you read sets your mind in the right space as you ask God to guide you through what you are about to read. And after reading, it's a good practice to enter into prayer and ask God to clarify anything that you didn't quite understand, and/or to use what you just read as perpetual instruction and insight going forward.

The Result

So you've got the purpose of the Word of God, and you got some insight on how to get started, and maybe you're still wondering why? Why should I put in the effort to read my Bible on a regular basis. This is one of those questions that can be answered with another question; why should you put in the effort to eat food each day. The answer to that questions seems pretty clear. If you don't eat you will die of malnourished. This same concept can be applied spiritually speaking. You need a regular "diet" of the Word of God so that you will be spiritually nourished.

Joshua 1:8 - "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

Psalm 119:11 - "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You."

Romans 15:4 - "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."

2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "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."

Reading the Bible isn't just an intellectual exercise; it's a spiritual feeding that renews our mind, strengthens our faith, and aligns our lives more closely with God's will. As we consistently spend time in His Word, we begin to see its impact in every aspect of our lives—from our decision-making and relationships to our inner peace and sense of purpose. We become healthier Christians.

Let's commit to making time for this essential spiritual discipline, allowing the Word of God to illuminate our path and transform our hearts. By meditating on the Word and living out its teachings, we can experience a richer, more meaningful connection with our Creator.

God Bless!