If yesterday's section was about a commitment to a life of transformation and following God, today's section is the natural question that would follow... "How in the world do I do that?"
The answer, according to the psalmist, is simple- God's Word. Often we read the Bible as a riddle that needs an answer, or a mine where gold is carefully concealed or an instruction booklet (usually that other people need to learn from). However, reading the Bible as God's Story is something entirely different, and perhaps is how the psalmist would have us read.
After all, the Bible is not simply Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth, as has been noted by some famous speakers. It is a mysterious and complex journey into the heart of God and God's vision for the world. Meditating on the Word of God is not about making sure we drill something into our minds, but hiding something in our hearts. In other words, learning the story is all about internalizing who God is. And when we begin to put the Word of God into our lives, it is bound to come out in a transformed life. After all, this is why I started this blog in the first place. Hopefully you have been finding growth as you have been reading the Bible with me. May God show you signs of change today.
Andy, we read Aleph and Beth at prayer times. I like the change God's story makes. Thanks, D.Z.
ReplyDeleteAndy, Thanks again for doing this blog. I must admit, I've been away from it for a while and, I'm sure, my transformation has suffered because of that.
ReplyDeleteThis portion of Psalm 1119 reminds me of Ridder and the threefold model for transformation: 1. Reflective living, 2. A community of truth and grace and 3. Radical obedience. God's Word is surely the foundation we need to execute all three dimensions of a transformed life. Thanks again!!! In Him, Steve