Take heed of His word
I will not turn from your commandments. Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight. I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end. I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love your instructions. You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. Psalm 119:110-114
Christians will not achieve a strong spiritual life by just having infrequent glances to God’s word. You cannot get by your daily life by just seeking a momentary thought from God’s word. The word of God was not given just to provide inspirational thoughts, useful suggestions, or preemptive advises. The Psalmist from the text found the Word of God as a treasure that provides delight in his heart. By his daily meditation and study of God’s word, he realized that God is his refuge and shield. The more he drew near to God, the more strength he obtained because he knew he can trust God and his word. When the Israelites were about to cross the Jordan River so they could reach the Promised Land, God commanded them to trust His word. “These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River” (Deuteronomy 32:47). God reminded them what happened to the previous generation, their parents, when they did not listen to God’s word. They spent forty years wandering in the wilderness and died in the process because they did not believe God’s word. When God called them to a make a covenant with Him, part of the covenant was to keep His word by binding them in their heart and to teach them diligently to their children. “And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). God wants His people to make His word prominent in every area of their lives. Your respect to God and His word will become visible in the way you live your life. Obeying Him and His word will be beneficial for you. Consider His promise; “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock?” (Psalm 18:30-31) As you face this New Year, take heed of God’s word and treasure them in your heart. He wants you to make Him your shield and your protector.
Blessings,
