Understanding God, Myself, and the WorldSample

Reading the Bible

In Psalm 1 we see two contrasting ways of life. One leads to a blessed life and the other leads to destruction. For the psalmist, consistent and diligent meditation on the Law of God is the source of a blessed life. The one who reads, studies, and meditates on the Law of God daily receives wisdom from God. And this wisdom is what leads to a life of righteousness. In contrast, the wicked are those who despise the Law and wisdom of God. Their ways lead to destruction. 

The Law of God (or the Law of Moses) was Israel’s founding document. By carefully reading the Law and adhering to it, they received blessing in the Promised Land. We also read in the Bible about the consequences of the Israelites abandoning God and His Law. They became like the wicked nations around them. They were enslaved by sin and idolatry, and eventually, the nation was so wicked that God sent the Babylonians to conquer them. They were exiled from their own land and cut off from God.

The Bible is the founding document of the Christian faith. It is the inspired Word of God. Therefore, reading, studying, meditating on, and adhering to the Bible on a regular basis is very important for us as Christians. When we reject and abandon the Word of God, we start to drift further and further away from Him. Eventually, we will arrive at a point of being completely isolated from God, our Source of life. Like trees that are planted near streams of water, firmly rooted in the ground, we ought to be firmly rooted in the Word of God. By reading and meditating on God’s Word, we are spiritually nourished by God and we receive wisdom from Him to walk according to His ways by the power of His Spirit. And the ways of the Spirit of God lead to eternal life.

How central is the Word of God in your life? Make it a priority to read, study, and meditate on a portion of Scripture every day. You can start with Psalm 119:1-16. Notice how the psalmist in Psalm 119 delights in the Word of the Lord. Ask God to help you to delight in, and adhere to, His Word.