Pray the WordShembull

We Need the Word of God

The King James Version translates today's verse as follows: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Many people have misunderstood that word “vision,” thinking it refers to guidance for the future. “If we don’t know where we’re going,” they say, “then we’re in trouble.” However, the word “vision” refers not to something that we come up with for the future but revelation from God. That’s what we need—the Word of God.

We need to hear what God says to us, because that is what keeps us from casting off restraint and perishing. It’s why the last part of the verse says, “But blessed is he who keeps the law.” Hearing and keeping God’s Word leads to true happiness.

This reality should lead us to pray, “God, I need your Word.” By listening and responding to God’s Word, we will avoid the path of danger and instead experience his blessing.

Prayer

God, help us to hear your Word. Cause us to want to live in your Word and talk about it all the time. We want to read your Word daily and memorize it, because we know that when we’re not listening to you, we’ll cast off restraint. We want to receive your instruction in our lives, and we trust that when we do, we will be happy in your Word. So we thank you for your Word, oh God, and we pray that you would help us to hear it and heed it every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.