Day 13
January 15
Psalm 119:97-104
The psalmist repeats two themes here. First, CONSTANTLY keeping Scripture in his heart, mind, and thoughts. Second, CONSTANTLY keeping Scripture in his actions, lifestyle, and practices. Both require daily discipline, but also produce noticeable pleasure (v. 103).
First consider keeping God’s Word constantly in your heart, mind, and thoughts. This
means thinking about them all day long (v. 97), always thinking of them (v. 99), and being well taught by them (v. 102). This implies that you’re both regularly reading Scripture and also that you’re observing, applying, praying, and digesting them throughout the day. Too often we minimize the importance of daily disciplines that regularly get Scripture in front of us. Even when we read daily, we too often check it off our list and neglect to digest it and carry it with us throughout the day. Discipline your mind to focus on Scripture daily, both when reading it and when you walk away from the physical pages into your day.
Next consider your actions, lifestyle, and practices. Think beyond do’s and don’ts of
obeying God’s rules. What do your media viewing habits say about your values? What does your calendar say about your priorities? What are your emotional reactions when people attack you? Scripture is not a list of rules. It’s a love letter describing God’s relationship with us. The words your best friend or spouse speak to you are not sterile checklists or chores. God’s Word is the same. It’s a living conversation that affects your finances, relationships, media choices, and even your thoughts and emotions.
The end result of this disciplined focus both in thoughts and action, is pleasure. When you make Scripture THIS central to your life, it ends up tasting like delicious honey in your heart. Fall in love with Scripture.
Pastor Philip Hahn
The psalmist repeats two themes here. First, CONSTANTLY keeping Scripture in his heart, mind, and thoughts. Second, CONSTANTLY keeping Scripture in his actions, lifestyle, and practices. Both require daily discipline, but also produce noticeable pleasure (v. 103).
First consider keeping God’s Word constantly in your heart, mind, and thoughts. This
means thinking about them all day long (v. 97), always thinking of them (v. 99), and being well taught by them (v. 102). This implies that you’re both regularly reading Scripture and also that you’re observing, applying, praying, and digesting them throughout the day. Too often we minimize the importance of daily disciplines that regularly get Scripture in front of us. Even when we read daily, we too often check it off our list and neglect to digest it and carry it with us throughout the day. Discipline your mind to focus on Scripture daily, both when reading it and when you walk away from the physical pages into your day.
Next consider your actions, lifestyle, and practices. Think beyond do’s and don’ts of
obeying God’s rules. What do your media viewing habits say about your values? What does your calendar say about your priorities? What are your emotional reactions when people attack you? Scripture is not a list of rules. It’s a love letter describing God’s relationship with us. The words your best friend or spouse speak to you are not sterile checklists or chores. God’s Word is the same. It’s a living conversation that affects your finances, relationships, media choices, and even your thoughts and emotions.
The end result of this disciplined focus both in thoughts and action, is pleasure. When you make Scripture THIS central to your life, it ends up tasting like delicious honey in your heart. Fall in love with Scripture.
Pastor Philip Hahn