Digging into the Word

This year, one of my priorities is to dig into the word of God. To live it, breathe it, immerse myself in it, all with the hopes that the Holy Spirit will make it come alive in a new way that utterly transforms me and informs every part of my life.

What does Scripture say about the Word of God? Here is what stands out to me:

• It teaches me, rebukes me, corrects me and trains me in righteousness so that I can be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:15-16)
• It is a guide for the way I should go, lighting my path (Psalm 119:105) 
• It is at work in believers (1 Thessalonians 2:13) 
• It is alive and active, sharp and penetrating, judging the thoughts and attitudes of my heart (Hebrews 4:12)
• It's unchained, even when I am chained or to the point of being chained (2 Timothy 2:8-9)

I feel chained a lot by the American worldview. The word of God is unchained, and will guide me back to the heart of God! It will teach me, rebuke me and correct me when I fall astray. It will judge the thoughts and attitudes of my heart. God will use it to prune me so that I can do good works for Him and for His glory! Because I believe, God's word is at work in me. And if I allow it to, it will light my path in this dark world, guiding me ever closer to the holiness and awesomeness of God!

Scary and wonderful? Yes! A chore? No. Essential for living for Chris? Yes!

Even though I don't come to the Bible thinking of it as a chore, it is easy for me to read through it at a breakneck pace, not stopping to listen for God's voice and instruction. I also find that I read it thoroughly stuck in my modern lens. To this end, I am committed to two things to help me dig more deeply into the word of God.

1. Lectio Divina, exampled in this video by John Piper:





2. Referencing The Complete Bible Handbook: An Illustrated Companion (an awesome find on our bookshelf).

However we choose to dig in, let's each commit ourselves to spend quality time in the word of God, that we may by transformed and ultimately equipped for every good work, all for the glory of God.