For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any
double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and
marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV).
Every time I think about it, it blows my mind.
How can I be sitting in my room in my chair having my quiet
time, reading the words Jesus spoke thousands of years ago?
These words of Jesus
recorded by men who walked with Him along the way reach across the ages and
touch my heart, or I consider Paul sitting in his Roman jail cell writing the
letters to encourage the believers that are now encouragement for me.
The written word truly does transcend both time and space.
Jesus’s words, the prophets, the kings, the writings of
Paul, all at my fingertips. What a
mercy? What a grace to be able to read the Psalms of David or the wisdom of
Solomon. To derive comfort or spiritual nourishment from the words of God’s own
men and women, His Words for His people.
Praise the Lord for the written word.
As a writer, I journal while I study because I see worth in the
activity. I get so much out of writing God’s word down. It helps me to remember
it. It also helps me to find it quickly if I want to pass along the
encouragement, and it helps me to draw out particular words or phrases that
mean something significant to me at the time.
Writing down what I am learning as I go through the scriptures
and the devotionals, I may be reading, helps me to voice how God’s word applies
to my life and the lives of those I love. It helps me to know how to pray for
others, and it helps me to know who I am in Christ.
And when I forget – I can go back and see it solid, written
down – a reminder.
So, as we enter the new year, I would urge you to consider keeping a journal as part of your quiet time. Let God use this wonderful gift of words
to inspire you.
Remember God’s Word is active; so actively study God’s Word.
Finding God’s grace,
Bonita Y. McCoy