|
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." (Psalm 1:1-2 KJV)
When I was much younger in the faith, studying the Bible was a huge challenge for me. I would pick up my Bible, try to read through a chapter and memorize a verse, yet nothing would sink into my head or penetrate my spirit. Before long, I would fall asleep on my reading table. I must confess that it baffled me tremendously why I couldn't just grasp these words of the Bible the way that I did with science and social science subjects. Glory to God, years later, the Lord gave me the answer to that spiritual struggle through this verse:
"Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved." (Luke 8:12 KJV)
Friend, whatever steals the Word of God from us remains our greatest enemy, and whenever we hear the Word of God or pick it up to study, the devil is furious. He comes with different distractions that will make us lose grip of the Word.
The reason that he does that is succinctly expressed in the verse following our opening Scripture: "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." (Psalm 1:3 KJV)
Who?
The one who meditates on God's Word day and night.
As believers, we can be blessed in our walk with God only if we constantly study and meditate on His Word. It's not optional — it's a must. The Word must dwell in us richly and work into our very being — that's exactly how we profit in Him.
Paul is fully armed with this secret of success when he tells Timothy, "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all." (1 Timothy 4:15 KJV)
Beloved, God has given us something that is of inestimable benefit and value: His Word. If we could spend time with it day and night, we wouldn't be in some of the messes that we find ourselves.
From today, begin to set out time for God's Word in your daily schedule. Refuse to let the devil stop you from profiting in God by wasting your Bible study time with frivolities.
Cast away every obstruction against your Bible study; give your phone a break for the Bible; speak the Word; and sleep and wake up with it every day. Remain blessed, and pray with me:
Prayer: O Lord, help me to study Your Word today. As I begin to study, help me to profit mightily, and may my profiting begin to appear to all. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Owen Osa
Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Reprinted from the PresbyCan Daily Devotional with the author's permission
|
