Let's delight in the Word of God

Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.

Several years ago I decided to commemorate turning 40 by running all the way around White Rock Lake. That’s 9 miles. Although I was logging in some serious miles on my bike during that time, I would jog about 2 miles once a week on a good week. I enlisted my friend Joe who runs around the lake regularly to join me. So on the 4th of July, mid morning with the sun up, I slogged my way around White Rock Lake. If Joe had not been there I would have quit at the 3 mile mark. It was drudgery. Don’t try this at home.

After the summer, I began a proper running program where I slowly built up to running around the lake. It required the discipline of running consistently three times a week. I was surprised to learn some things --from running techniques to running shoes--things that were really helpful in making the whole experience more enjoyable. Over the next two years, Joe and I could be found running around the lake at least twice a month. Those times were a delight, far from the drudgery I experienced on my first attempt.

This past Sunday, we began a series called “Read. Listen. Respond.” I am inviting our body over the next three weeks to make a commitment to reserve a daily time to read the New Testament together over the next year for the purpose of connecting with Jesus. More information can be found at http://www.northwestbible.org/read-listen-respond .

I realize that this is going to require discipline. I realize that it might feel like drudgery at times. I realize that for some it will require learning new things about reading the Bible, listening to the Spirit, and responding with our lives. However, I believe that the Lord, who wants to speak to His people and be heard by His people, will cause us to meditate on His Word more consistently than we have in the past. I also believe that as we are consistent to show up and sit with Jesus, this time in His Word will become a delight that we look forward to.

LET’S PRAY TOGETHER.
God of heaven and earth, consume my soul with longing for Your Words at all times. Cause me to rejoice in following Your Word as one rejoices in great riches. May Your Words be to me sweeter than honey to my mouth. Cause me to delight and love Your words so that I will not neglect them but instead meditate on them day and night. In Jesus’ Name.
(The words for this prayer were taken from Psalm 119)