Neglected Word
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word. 14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word. Psalm 119:14-18 (NIV)
I saw it this week. Perhaps you saw it, too? The video of Chinese Christians getting a Bible for the first time. They swarmed the box that held them. Then they eagerly grabbed up their “treasure.” Many pressed it against their faces. Others clutched it to their hearts. Some kissed their Bible and inhaled deeply of the leather. More still, brushed tears from their faces.
It was like a post-war scene when the troops returned home. A glorious reunion. The realization of every hope, prayer, and dream, being lovingly embraced and caressed. Such was their love for the Word of God!
The Lord seems to teach me things in seasons. He will show it to me; make it vital. Then move on to the next lesson. But later, like a master teacher will do, He uses the spiral review method to always circle back to a particular truth.
Recently, the brush-up lessons have been on the priority of founding my life upon the Word of God. The power of the written Word. The centrality of the truths written therein. Lately, the Lord has been reiterating to me that I do not study enough. Dig deeply enough. Or apply the truths consistently enough. My soul reverberates with the truth that when the Scripture is applied to life situations, power is released to change them. To change me.
Those Chinese Christians reminded me of the lavish luxury I have to own countless Bibles, in various translations and formats. Yet, they lie under-read. Truth undiscovered. Life and healing unleashed. All because I neglect the Holy Bible.
Do you stand guilty of neglecting your Word? Either way, join with me in a prayer of commitment:
Oh, God! Help me! Help me to never neglect Your Word! Forgive me for the sin of complacency, idleness, and laziness! Remind me afresh of the beauty of every line of Scripture! Help me to fall more deeply in love with Your truth. Set my feet upon the firm foundations of your decrees! Open up your hidden treasures to me! Reveal to me Your purpose, Your plan, Your direction. I have set my heart to know Your Word! Thank you, Lord, for the sacred privilege of holding it in my hand. Fill my heart and my mind with Truth. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Thank you, Sherri. The Lord has us in the same place. I’ve been convicted of needing to spend more time in the Word, digging deeper still.
I saw the video you’re referring to awhile back. What gets me is the vast majority of our Bibles are being printed in China, and yet it’s out of reach to so many.
Marsha,
That is so tragic- to have it so near and yet be unattainable! I think it is neat that He is speaking the same thing to your heart so many miles away. We serve an awesome God!
Dear Lord, let me never take having more than one Bible for granted. Let me treasure every one of them. Never let a day go by without reminding me if I haven’t read in your Word; not just read Your Word but studied it thoroughly, blessings Gloria
Amen, Gloria! Bless you!!
Thank you for the reminder to not neglect His Word and take it to heart.
Thank you, Iris! Blessings to you!
Yes!! I stand in agreement- and tuck my head in shame at the truth as it strikes my heart. Guilty. Under read.
Thank you friend for this reminder of what we have the privilege to have openly and share freely. I needed this today!
Bless you sister!
Bless you, Angie!