“Thy word is a
lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
(Psalm 119:105
KJV)
For those of us who grew up attending church and Sunday School,
we have spiritual “roots” that came from the “seeds”, the instruction adults in
our life gave us. Sometimes these memories can resurface in our adult years.
This is true in my case.
Memories can be poignant, happy, sad, and a mix of feelings.
It is interesting to recall things learned as a young child later in life. Many
times, children seem to understand spiritual things that we struggle with as
adults. Children seem to have an excitement about Jesus and God’s Word that
some adults seem to have forgotten. To recapture that love and excitement as an
adult is amazing.
As a small girl in Sunday school, I remember hearing and
learning the above verse. I may have even memorized it. Even as a young child,
I knew the importance of reading, studying, and memorizing God’s Word.
Sadly, however, the adults around me did not model this, for
the most part. In reflecting back, there did not seem to be a hunger for God’s
Word or a desire to be immersed in the Word beyond Sunday. It was not until I
was in my thirties that I made and kept the commitment to study God’s Word each
day.
What can we do to model a hunger for God’s Word to those
around us, especially the children and youth in our lives?
Several years ago, when I began to read the Bible from cover
to cover (something that I continue to do), I began discovering many “gems”
that I had nearly forgotten. This verse from Psalm 119 highlights, I believe,
just how important God’s Word is for us.
We can find Scriptures that address all our life situations.
By obeying God’s Word, we can save ourselves from much heartache and sorrow by
making wrong choices. I am so thankful
for God’s Word and the ability to read and understand it for myself.
What are you thankful for in God’s Word?
What can we do to increase our desire for God’s Word to be
part of our daily lives? For me, I choose to read and study the Bible every
day. Some days I have to “push through” and do it whether I want to or not. It
also helps to be around others who are also hungry for God’s Word and are
faithful to reading and studying it.
What about you: How do you approach the reading and studying
of God’s Word? What commitments have you made?
God’s Word truly is a light unto my feet and a light unto my
path! What about you?
Please join with me in prayer:
Dear Father, thank You for Your
wonderful Word. Deepen our hunger for it so greatly that we cannot ignore it. Remind
us to turn to Your Word for knowing how we are to live. Bring growth to the
seeds that are planted each time we immerse ourselves in Your Word. Increase
our knowledge of You through spending time with You and in Your Word; we want
to know You, not just know about You. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
From My Heart to Yours,
Kim
P.S. As I was preparing this post, a song by Michael W.
Smith and Amy Grant came to mind, Thy
Word. Take a listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ycs23FQDRI
Hi Kim! Are you familiar with Amy Grant's song, "Thy Word"? I really like it, maybe you could access it on youtube?
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard this passage as a child, I wondered why I'd want a lamp on my feet? Wouldn't it burn me? Well, I guess in a way, Christ's word should burn in me!
I haven't read the bible 'cover to cover' as you have done. I did join a wonderful Bible study a few years ago called a Walk Through the Bible. It traced the lineage of Christ from the Old Testament to the New. I really enjoyed that!
I have made a commitment to quiet time with God every day. Some days I am more successful than others, but I have to say that I am much more peaceful these days. My word for this year is 'joy' and I can't have that without interior peace. So I think I'm on my way!
Happy Weekend,
Ceil
Hi Ceil! Yes, I'm familiar with Amy Grant's song, "Thy Word", I've sung it--or attempted to. :) Great thought: God's Word "burning" in us. Ceil, I do believe you're on the right track, and on your way. The time I've spent in the Word is so helpful when it comes to my preaching, teaching, and writing.
DeleteHave a blessed weekend!
So thankful for God's Word in my life, Kim, both through my own Bible reading and the wonderfully inspirational blogs like yours that turn my focus on Him. Prayed with you, my friend! Love and blessings!
ReplyDeleteMartha, God's Word is amazing and does amazing things in our lives. It can change us. Thank you for your supportive and encouraging words regarding my blog.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Kim, Reading through the Bible was my life-line 10 years ago during a family crisis. Although, I'd always read parts of the Bible that experience began my love of daily reading. It is my favorite way to start the day. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteDeb, Thank you for stopping by and commenting! I'm thankful that you've developed a hunger for God's Word. Starting the day with God and time in His Word is my favorite way to start my day.
DeleteBlessings!