There is so much more to a verse than what we can see at first glance. Many times, we quote a familiar verse in the time of need in the hopes of finding strength in the moment of weakness. This is one of the many reasons for the Word of Life. The verses in the Bible give us hope, peace and strength to carry us through those firry moments, which help us to stand strong and come out victoriously. Even though this helps the believer in that moment, it is even better when we take the time later on to read the verse within its context to see the whole picture. Then it becomes more precious to us. This then leads to the study of the Word. We are told to “study the Word” as noted in 2 Tim. 2:15. We are also told to hide it in our hearts that we might not sin against Him. Ps. 119:11 We are told to ponder it and mediate on it day and night. Ps. 1:2 How can we do this if we do not search the Word, and become as the Bereans did when they heard the Word preached from Paul? Acts 17:11 That is a lot to consider my brethren—is it not?
I was told by an individual that my “word” should be impeccable. “What in the world does that mean?” said I to myself. Impeccable? I had no idea what that word meant. I did not know what she wanted me to do. For days on end, I would wake up with that word on my mind. I could not be obedient to her direction because of one word. Each day I would think of the word, and each day I would look at the dictionary on my windowsill, which would give me the answer to my dilemma. Then I would think I could look it up on the internet because that would be easier and faster. Guess what? I would turn on my computer and log on. Then I would start doing my everyday stuff, which meant I would forget to look up the word! I would go to bed that night remembering I had forgot to look up that “word” again. I would say I would look it up tomorrow. Tomorrows came, and guess what? I would forget again…are you getting the picture?
How important was the direction she gave me, and the word I did not understand? It was so easy for me to pick up the dictionary on my windowsill to search for the word, but…I would turn on my computer and…Distracted…
How often have you and I received instructions from the Lord, and we have been stuck on a “word” and we decided to look it up? Then we say that we can look it up so quickly because of the tool(s) we have? Then we have a good tool right in front of us, but we choose to use a faster tool, but that “faster” tool becomes our “distraction.” Then we put off until tomorrow what we could have found out today by not using what is right in front of us. Sometimes a “microwave” just does not taste as good as a “home-cooked meal’ from an “old-fashioned” oven…
Wow! I did not intend to go this way… it just hit me that way. When I first was saved, I used to spend hours in the Word. I would look up the Hebrew or the Greek form of the word, and I was my own commentary writer. I even learned how to figure out to find out what tense and form the text was written. I would take hours to discuss maybe three-four verses. I loved it! Then I got married, and had some children. I still found some time with the help of the Lord to do it then. Then I was afflicted, and moved into a convalescent home. I had all the time in the world when I was feeling strong enough to study and write. Then I found out I had gotten lazy…
Where had my precious time gone when it came to the Word of God? I had become “distracted” by this that and the other!!! Distracted by wasting time on things that really had no meaning for me. Distracted by things that would not sustain me in tough times. Distracted by the things of this world you see!
Let this be a warning to you! Do not let the things of this world cloud your mind and push what matters the most to you! You only have one soul! You only have one life to live, and tomorrow is not promised to you! Give what time you have to the Lord today, and stay in His Word today. You must commune in your heart with Him today! You may take your last breath today! Make sure you are ready. Be very sure your anchor holds. Be sure that your anchor holds to his word today. Tomorrow is not promised to you…know who He is today. Obey His Word. Find out what He wants you to do. Walk with him moment by moment every day of your life. You might be gone in the next few seconds. Be very sure. Be very sure. That you are not wasting your life on things of this world. Do not be distracted by the things of this world today. Be very sure your mind is on Him and you are not distracted today!