Friday, August 16, 2024

Listen to the Word

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  (Joshua 1:8)

There is a problem with our usual approach to Scripture. We have a ten minute “quiet time” during which the Bible is working on us. But for the other 23 hours and 50 minutes of the day, we are on our own. Joshua 1:8 challenges us to take Scripture with us – to “meditate on it day and night.” That doesn’t mean that we are always locked in a room with a Bible in our lap. It means that as we go through life, we are continually reflecting on Scripture, continually allowing it to shape our thoughts and actions.

There are many ways you can apply this instruction. You can write a verse of Scripture on a card and put it in your pocket. You can put post-it notes with Scripture on them in prominent places in your daily path. You can memorize verses (that’s not just for kids in Vacation Bible School!).

Scripture meditation does not have to be separate from the rest of life. It is something you can do day and night.

Live the Word

Joshua 1:9 promises that “the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Make a conscious effort to repeat that promise to yourself as often as possible today.