Daily Devotional – October 16-22
October 16 – Meditating on God’s Word
This devotional series offers less content but more opportunity for you to reflect, contemplate, and pray through the short Scriptures we offer. It is an opportunity to help us slow down and enjoy time in the presence of God. It is an exercise in listening with the intent of hearing from God through His Word and by His Spirit. Here is the passage for the week:
Psalm 19:7-11, The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. 11 By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Prayer: “Father, Your word is perfect as You are perfect. When I read and reflect upon it, my soul is renewed. I can trust what You say. You make me wiser than I am through Your eternal truth. There is nothing wrong with Your teaching. It always brings happiness when I know the right way. Your instruction radiates life giving light to my eyes. The pure enduring way is when I reverently worship You. Everything You speak is righteous and unchanging. I think wealth is found in this world, but true wealth is found in every word that comes from You. Thank You for warning me of the dangers ahead so that I can find great reward in going Your way. Amen.”
October 17 – Meditating on God’s Word
Psalm 19:7, The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
Write out the Scripture. (As it is or in your own words.)
“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statues of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”
Observe what it is saying. (Answer the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions)
This week we return to Psalm 19. The first half of this psalm speaks of God’s general revelation in creation. The second half tells of God’s specific revelation of Himself through His word. This word is perfect and trustworthy. If God is who He is, then He can speak nothing less than the truth at all times. When we read, listen, and obey His teaching, our souls will be renewed and our minds will become much wiser.
Relate it to your life. (Connect how this Scripture speaks into your life today.)
If I want to enjoy the benefits of wisdom and refreshment, then I need to include a steady diet of God’s word in my life.
Do something. (Pray it. Live it. Act on it.)
“Father, thank You for revealing Yourself through creation and word. You have made it clear how much You love us and want us in Your family. Praise be to your name. Amen.”
October 18 – Meditating on God’s Word
Psalm 19:8, The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Write out the Scripture.
“The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”
Observe what it is saying.
God’s word is right. There’s nothing wrong with it. It can be trusted. Because it ultimately speaks of God’s nature and His desire to have a loving relationship with us, it brings tremendous joy to read and reflect upon God’s message. Even when God commands us to do certain things, it’s because He loves us and desires what is best for us. It brings light to our eyes because we can see clearly the way we are to go and what we are to do.
Relate it to your life.
If my encounter with God’s word doesn’t bring joy and light, then I have a heart problem.
Do something.
“Father, may I eagerly read and study Your Word to find joy and light for my life. Amen.”
October 19 – Meditating on God’s Word
Psalm 19:9, The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.
Write out the Scripture.
“The fear of the Lord is pure and lasting. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all are righteous.”
Observe what it is saying.
In a slight change in the rhythm of this section, we don’t find a synonym for God’s word in the first half of the verse. Instead, the fear of the Lord is used. It seems to indicate that the word of God leads to an appropriate reverential fear of God that’s pure and lasting. The word does something within us in our relationship with God. That’s why he goes on to say that the word is firm and righteous. It doesn’t change but can be trusted to build your life upon it.
Relate it to your life.
My engagement with God’s word will create a healthy and holy fear of God within me.
Do something.
“Father, my holy fear of You leads to my all-out love for You. May You be praised. Amen.”
October 20 – Meditating on God’s Word
Psalm 19:9, They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.
Write out the Scripture.
“They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.”
Observe what it is saying.
David compares God’s message with what he considers to be the most costly and delightful of earthly desires. Gold is the highest of standards in measuring wealth. Yet, God’s word far exceeds the value of the purest gold that can be found. The Promised Land was described as a land flowing with milk and honey. It was a valuable and delicious source of their diet. Because of its life-giving message, God’s words are even sweeter than honey straight from the honeycomb.
Relate it to your life.
I choose to value God’s word more than the most precious treasures of earth.
Do something.
“Father, give me a great hunger for your word that delights in your eternal message. Amen.”
October 21 – Meditating on God’s Word
Psalm 19:11, By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Write out the Scripture.
“By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”
Observe what it is saying.
Regular engagement with God in His word does two things. First, it warns us when something is amiss with us spiritually. The Scripture is alive and active and can reach deep into our beings revealing and convicting us where we may be off track. Secondly, when we follow the holy loving instruction of God’s message, we will experience the rewards of a clear conscience which leads to the deepest levels of peace and joy that we can know on earth.
Relate it to your life.
The beauty and power of God’s word is most wonderfully displayed in my obedience to it.
Do something.
“Father, You have given us the handbook on how to live the most rewarding life. I ask for Holy Spirit power to live out your instructions with joyful obedience. Amen.”