DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Abide, Delight, Dwell
by Judy Webb
As each year begins to wind down, I start the process of discerning my "word" for the coming year. Sometimes it is easy, and the word comes quickly, and sometimes it takes weeks for me to feel like God truly led me to this word(s). This year I was led to three words: Abide, Delight, and Dwell. They came to me one November morning, but it took until late December when I knew this was from God and not me. The year progressed and these three words have ministered to me every day.
Abide: To conform to, to continue in a place, to remain stable or fixed, to wait, await, endure.
The only way we Christians can endure the hardships of life is by walking these difficult roads with Jesus. Our faith will help us endure when we turn to the Bible for wisdom and direction. "The word of God is living and active." (Hebrews 4:12) God’s Word guides and directs us on the path leading to His Peace.
Delight: extreme satisfaction, take great pleasure in, rejoice in.
"Fight the good fight of the faith." (1 Timothy 6:12)
This verse caught my eye and called me to dig into it and mine the wisdom in these six words. The word fight doesn't mean to duke it out with someone, (unless that someone is Satan) but it means to fight for joy, seek the Presence of God, stay faithful and give thanks. This is the only fight we as Christians are called to participate in. We are to take God's word and eat. Jeremiah 15:16: "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight."
Dwell: To remain, stay, stick around, settle in.
Memorization is difficult for many of us. Try as I might, it seems impossible to remember word-for-word some of my favorite scriptures; those verses that give me peace or comfort when I need it most. But I always give it a try and sure enough, when I need to hear them the most, they are there. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11) When I remain faithful to daily scripture reading and take a few minutes to discover new and hidden truths for me to embrace, somehow the words are there when I need them most.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of Your Word. Teach us to remain diligent in reading daily. As we learn and study, we will take great delight in all it teaches. Allow us to dwell there for as long as it takes to hear your voice and direction. Amen.
Comments