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“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them You have given me life.”  Psalm 119:92-93 (ESV)

My home is filled with Bibles – yes, many different translations.  As a writer, I have my collection of study Bibles, chronological Bibles and cultural study Bibles. And then there’s my computer which lands me on numerous sites to deepen my understanding of God’s word.   I think you get the picture – there is no shortage of God’s word in my home, especially my office. Yet in the craziness of a given day, I can easily become consumed with other things and forfeit precious moments in His word.

Perhaps the sheer fact that God’s word is so easily accessible to us tempts us to forego today.  We can always regroup tomorrow, right?  God’s word will still be there completely available and ready when we have the time.

One crucial problem with our excuses – we need God’s word on a daily basis.  Just like we need food to nourish and strengthen our bodies, we need His word.  Just like we need oxygen to breathe, we need His word.  Just like we need rest and refreshment, we need His word.  Bottom line, we can’t function and glorify God if we are not engaging with Him in prayer and the studying of His word. Every moment we spend with God deposits truth, wisdom, perseverance and patience in our souls.  We never know how a day or even moments will unfold, so wise women make sure their spiritual tanks are full and not depleted.

While days of ease are incredible and enjoyable, we all face moments when life is hard and challenging.  The “perfection” God created in the Garden is gone – sin birthed heartache, injustice, brokenness and death – forever changing our world. Discouragement can reign high when we zero in on our circumstances rather than cling to His words.  Disillusionment can sideline us if we focus on our plan rather than God’s best.  Defeat can overwhelm us if we choose to depend on self versus trust the character of our Holy God.

Sweet friends, where do we go when the pit we find ourselves in pushes us further and further away from the One who longs to come to our rescue?

Absolutely love the words and truth of the psalmist in 119 whose narrative enlightens us on the only way to survive, endure and yes gloriously thrive in those hard places.  The secret unfolds in verses 89 – 96 and it all centers on the word of God which sustains, strengthens and empowers us to navigate even the toughest battles. Acknowledging God’s faithfulness equips us to not give up. Choosing to delight in God’s word and obey His commands positions us to survive even in hard places with a deep joy and sense of peace.  Meditating on and memorizing His words infuses us with life even when our enemy lurks around the corner.

In this world, we will face tribulation (John 16:33) but our hearts can be strengthened to press on because He (Jesus) has overcome the world. We don’t have to entertain discouragement, disillusionment or defeat – they can be felt and experienced yet not take root because we are firmly planted in the truth of God’s word.

“Sweet Jesus, we can be victorious even in our weakened state when we place our trust in You.  Remove our excuses and teach us how to truly delight in Your holy words.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life