How To Elevate God’s Word In Your Life
The apostle Paul wrote that we must “use God’s mighty weapons to tear down the strongholds of human reasoning” (2 Corinthians 10:3). That sounds like an aggressive approach toward other people’s “reasonings.”
Still, the first step is to examine what strongholds of human reasoning may be in our lives that need to be torn down, and then we can learn how to use God’s Word to do that (here’s how strongholds can grieve the Holy Spirit).
Earlier this year, I audited all the “voices” I willingly allowed into my life. Whether through podcasts, social media, email newsletters I subscribe to, news feeds, books, music, entertainment, etc.; I realized several influences I had invited into my life have contributed to reinforcing those strongholds of human reasoning.
I enjoyed one podcaster who gave updates on the news of our world. To myself, I defended listening to this one-hour podcast because it was a way to stay informed on what was happening in the world. It was entertaining and informative, but the problem was that, over time, it created a low-level sense of anxiety and frustration in me about what was happening in our world.
While I believe it’s important to stay informed about what is happening in our world, it’s much more essential to stay informed about what God’s Word says. It was clear that I needed to unsubscribe, unfollow, and delete a few apps off my phone to keep those voices quiet (check out three ways to guard your mind against negative thoughts).
I believe the Holy Spirit is prompting us as a church to continue to take active steps in elevating God’s Word above all other voices.
Psalm 119:161-168 lays out a pathway to do this as a prayer.
1) “Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your Word.”
Does your heart tremble at God’s Word when you read it?
May we never treat his Word as common but uphold it as holy.
2) “I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.”
Do you rejoice in God’s Word?
Consider the emotions you feel when you find something valuable or meaningful.
“In him,” the apostle Paul wrote. “Lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).
Every time you open God’s Word, you have an opportunity for Jesus to be revealed.
3) “I hate and abhor all falsehood, but I love your instructions.”
Do you hate all falsehoods and love God’s instructions?
One of the prayers I’ve been praying more recently is Lord, help me see where I may be deceived. God’s instructions open our eyes to what is true, so we have a standard against which to measure falsehoods.
Paul writes, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16).
4) “I will praise you seven times a day because all your regulations are just.”
Do God’s regulations inspire praise?
I usually think God’s blessings and goodness are reasons to praise him, but rules and regulations? Not so much.
Until I remember that God’s regulations are just and dependable; following them leads to his best for our lives.
May God’s perfect and just regulations lead us to have a constant song of praise to him.
5) “Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.”
Do you love God’s instructions?
What a great promise thrown in the middle of this prayer.
His instructions will steady your feet and give you great peace.
6) “I long for your rescue, Lord, so I have obeyed your commands.”
Do you long for the rescue of the Lord?
There is a connection between obeying God’s commands and experiencing his rescue, but not everyone longs for it.
Whatever you may face in this life, remember, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and rescues those whose spirits are crushed” (Psalm 34:18).
7) “I have obeyed your laws, for I love them very much.”
Jesus taught his disciples, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Do you obey God’s laws? Do you love them because you love him?
Read Psalm 119:161-168 again and ask the Holy Spirit to show you one way you can elevate God’s Word in your life.
“Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your Word.
I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.
I hate and abhor all falsehoods, but I love your instructions.
I will praise you seven times a day because all your regulations are just.
Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.
I long for your rescue, Lord, so I have obeyed your commands.
I have obeyed your laws, for I love them very much.
Yes, I obey your commandments and laws because you know everything I do.”