As the rain and snow

“Sow for yourselves righteousness;
    reap steadfast love;
    break up your fallow ground,
for it is the time to seek the Lord,
    that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.

You have plowed iniquity;
    you have reaped injustice;
    you have eaten the fruit of lies.
Because you have trusted in your own way
    and in the multitude of your warriors,
therefore the tumult of war shall arise among your people,
    and all your fortresses shall be destroyed.” Hosea 10:12-14

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:7-9

There come times in life when we realize we are reaping what we have sown- in personal habits, in relationships, in our work, in a nation- and find it sobering, even painful. We can choke with regret. But even in this awakening of our sensibilities, God shines. We see our Lord as faithful, bringing about what He has said in His word. If His word is true in its tenets, it is also true in its invitations. God mercifully calls us to break up what we’ve destroyed or let slip, to seek Him, to begin to cultivate what we have let lie fallow, to sow to the Spirit.

Now is the time to do this work of righteousness. Breaking our fallow ground, coming to terms with wasted opportunities or years and repenting of our misappropriated ‘farming’ is not easy, but necessary for the Lord’s righteousness to reign. It is always good to do the hard labor of sowing to the Spirit, and it is never good to delay. We will face challenges, but the Lord promises joyful return.

There may be labor required of us that brings little immediate satisfaction. Because we see no meaning in it, and little result, or consider it drudgery rather than joy, we feel we do it in vain. But the Lord says, when we work as unto Him we receive a reward- a promise to take hold of, whether for this life or the next. (Ephesians 6:7-8; Colossians 3:23-24)

Some work makes us restless and out of sorts, and it could be we are trying to do only what we want to do, or what we think another wants us to do, but not what God has designed for us to do. We might think it best to sow our own ideas, but unless the Spirit directs our path according to His preordained plan, we will be uncomfortable in our workmanship skin, and bear little, if any, fruit. (Ephesians 2:10)

What seeds of destruction have I sowed in conversations or among neighbors? What sin habits have I plowed that are having sorry effects? Where am I neglecting God’s work altogether? It is time to repent.

Good Master, make me faithful to break up the fallow ground of my soul and in my life. Where I lack zeal, remind me this work of righteousness is a gift, and by Your Spirit, exalts Your love and brings You glory.

“[Jesus said], ‘The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can these things be?’” John 3:8-9

“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

“Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying,.. ‘We hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.’” Acts 2:1-7,11

The sound of wind quickens the heart, and pleases the ear and senses. Invisible, yet obvious in its touch, wind at once amazes, astounds, and sets us to wonder. It bends, it breaks, it strengthens, it refreshes. It sets dirt to deviling in destruction, it sucks into the peaceful eye of its vortex, it sweeps away clouds and dries the rain. God made wind a picture of His grace and power and magnanimous love, and invites us into its sway.

Wind blows, rejuvenating, cooling, invigorating as it sweeps us into its energetic rush. Spirit, blow your wind in our faces to awaken us from clouds of apathy, ease, and sadness to hope and fresh mercies. Drive away fretting and anxiety over hypotheticals and replace them with holy inspiration and zeal.

Wind loosens the dead and debris, gently tugging, removing it from what is living and lush. Lord, drive the wind of your spirit into our souls to convict us and move us to repentance. Uproot what weeds we have allowed to grow, habits and sinful tendencies we have come to tolerate as our companions. Swirl your wind before our eyes to remove weak faith so we can see you clearly. Keep blowing to remove stubbornness, willful pride, and doubt, until we give in to your sway.

Wind lulls and rolls, with gentle fingers, colors into beautiful motion. Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with heavenly light and move us to weave Your loveliness and sow Your joy among those who live in dark shadows of despair and hurt.

Wind pushes and pulls, correcting our stance, making sure we are grounded and balanced, and propelling us along with aided speed. Holy Spirit, by Your power, turn us from worthless pursuits toward what has eternal significance. Infuse divine inspiration, and compel our bodies forward in eager work and service that matters.

“Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before You,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!” ~Henry Van Dyke (1907)

Father, take me up in Your sway. Blow Your Spirit on and through me to communicate Your mighty works, to the praise of Your glory.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever!
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
    whom he has redeemed from trouble…

Some wandered in desert wastes,
    finding no way to a city to dwell in;
hungry and thirsty,
    their soul fainted within them.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
He led them by a straight way
    till they reached a city to dwell in.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!
For he satisfies the longing soul,
    and the hungry soul he fills with good things.

Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    prisoners in affliction and in irons,
for they had rebelled against the words of God,
    and spurned the counsel of the Most High.
So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor;
    they fell down, with none to help.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
    and burst their bonds apart.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!
For he shatters the doors of bronze
    and cuts in two the bars of iron...

Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving,
    and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!..

Let them extol him in the congregation of the people,
    and praise him in the assembly of the elders...

Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things;
    let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.” Psalm 107:1-2,4-16,22,32,43

The redeemed have lives woven rich with thankfulness. They are not immune to trouble in the world, to famine or distress or longing. They experience the same temptations and painful consequences when they trip as those who know not the Lord, the same illnesses and afflictions and challenges with work. But they are distinct in perspective, set apart by their connection to Christ, and the rhythms of every season flow with dependence on the Lord and thankfulness to Him.

“Redeemed: saved from sin, error, or evil; bought back, regained possession of.” When we are redeemed, what has been done for us by Jesus the Redeemer infuses our being. We are awake to His grace, alert and stung when we fall from it, and drawn by its irresistible pull to be delivered again. The thrum of His washing plays the tune of gratitude again and again, and we cannot help but sing.

What daily habits structure our lives? As surely as the sun rises and we go about our days, we get into regular rhythms of eating and activity that dictate our hours. How about our spirit life? Have we fallen into rote religious practices that lack punch or power in our outlook or choices? Would we yield to holy disciplines, that when practiced, become a joy and lifeline? What difference could regular thanksgiving make? (Hebrews 12:10-11)

“‘O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father kingship and greatness and glory and majesty. And because of the greatness that he gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whom he would, he killed, and whom he would, he kept alive; whom he would, he raised up, and whom he would, he humbled. But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was brought down from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him. He was driven from among the children of mankind, and his mind was made like that of a beast, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was fed grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, until he knew that the Most High God rules the kingdom of mankind and sets over it whom he will.  

“And you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this, but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. And the vessels of his house have been brought in before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored… This is the interpretation of the matter: Mene, God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end; Tekel, you have been weighed in the balances and found wanting; Peres, your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians…’ That very night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was killed.” Daniel 5:18-23,26-28,30

When pride is exposed (and it is the natural manner of many a regenerate soul), we have a choice: humble ourselves before the Almighty, or continue to contend with Him and pay. Daniel succinctly spells out the result of each for the pompous king, whose father had eventually grasped who was true King, and the unrepentant Belshazzar’s lot was determined by his hard heart and idolatry.

Pride never serves us well. We may think ourselves invincible, but God will break even the most haughty and bring us low. We will all one day be held to account, and not only our deeds but our motives and attitudes will be exposed. A sense of superiority, of swagger in authority, of ‘better’ because of our talents or position or resources, all calcify our spirits until we no longer recognize the rigid, indomitable idol we have made of self. (Proverbs 16:5,18; Romans 2:6; 14:12)

Any time we pompously worship the created (self) rather than the Creator, we set ourselves on a downward spiral toward destruction. Our ears stop to the Lord’s voice, and our eyesight distorts so we see ourselves as bigger than God and more important than those we are to serve. Our hearts harden to others’ needs and sorrows, arrogance and entitlement rule our minds. Our only hope is Jesus, whose humility won our salvation. Would we bow? (Proverbs 18:12; Romans 1:22-25; Philippians 2:5-11)

Lord, humble me before Your cross so I live in the shadow of its glory.

“Unless the Lord builds the house,
    those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
    and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
    for he gives to his beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:1-2

“Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
    who walks in his ways!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
    you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.” Psalm 128:1-2

We humans, made uniquely of all creation in the image of God, are wont to be satisfied expending our efforts within human limitations. Yet our infinite God, in whom we actually live and move and have our being, has so much more in store for us if we would only orient our lives around Him. We wake, we toil, we fret, we roil, and limit our soil to producing temporal fruit. Would we lift our eyes and see the skies, we’d tap what lies in the heavenlies! Unless the Lord is in it, we work for naught. (Genesis 1:26-28; Acts 17:28)

He cares about our work, our homes, our communities, but often for wider reasons than we consider. We may plan and pray, but our end is personal favor, comfort, and success. Would we recognize that our families, our cities, our nations, are the Lord’s to establish, bless, or diminish, all that we might fear and bless His name? He it is who sets leaders in place, and removes them from position, according to His infinite purposes. We see dimly, and so arrange and act in temporal space, yet He designs the whole of history and intersects each component with holy, eternal precision for His ultimate glory. (Daniel 2:20-22; 1 Corinthians 13:9-12)

In Babel, men were judged for trying to build their way to heaven and thus ‘make a name for themselves.’ In other words, ‘leave God out of it, we can do this; and when we do this, we won’t need Him anymore.’ Their motive was self-centered, their rules self-written, their impetus self-compelled. They wanted to win, and they wanted notice and power. But there is only One worth building for, only One by whom we can succeed, One by whom and for whom we were made, and He will not be mocked. (Genesis 11:1-9; Galatians 6:7; Colossians 1:16)

If we are spinning wheels in fruitless toil, if fretting and anxiety over our city or nation are keeping us from rest, we must check to see who we are trusting as watchman over our lives and possessions. It is so easy to take over the reins, to drive drive and do do, to work work and build build, and pay homage to God with only a rushed blessing on our labor. Yet the Bible promises peaceful sleep, fruitful labor, and blessing when we trust and fear the Lord- not failure, not ruin, not others’ assessments, not loss. Unless the Lord is our foundation and confidence, we will be unsettled.

Where do I need new priorities? How will I clear the way for the Lord to have His sway?

Lord God, guard me from any effort or expenditure, decision or inspiration, unless You are at the helm. May I walk and work in Your ways, not my own.

“You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,  while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it  and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:10-17

There is no need to fix what is not broken, and it is never prudent to stop a wise course of action. There are times the way ahead is obscured, but we know our destination and can continue on. Understanding the right thing to do, staying immersed in the truth, and sustained plodding keep us steady and focused when the battle is the toughest and the path dark with opposition.

With division and opposing loyalties storming our culture and vying for our allegiance, and rebel accusations, vociferous claims, and vitriol competing for our attention and reaction, we are called to stay the course with steadfastness. With visible, invisible, and audible attacks on our beliefs, motivations, and way of life, we are to be discerning, wise and assured in what we have learned, and trusting in the finished work of our rescue and salvation. Our eyes must be transfixed on Jesus, our lives grounded in His word. He is our sure foundation, and the sacred writings that have done a permanent sacred work in our hearts are daily ours for imparting wisdom, convicting of sin, setting straight our thinking and behavior, and equipping us to obey. Continue! (Hebrews 12:1-3)

The scriptures also give us godly examples like Paul, who emulated holy passion, faith, patience, love, and staying the course in every persecution and pain. Being surrounded by the host of brave saints who have gone before, and believing in the One who blazed that trail with perfect grace, we are compelled to follow in their steps. Continue!

When temptations flirt with our emotions, and whispers allure us to take the slippery or easy road, continue to live a godly life!

When suffering wears us down and strength grows thin, when we feel we can bear no more pain, or another sleepless night or impossible decision, continue in what has been taught and lean on the faith former grief has built!

When the enemy paraphrases hard commands to admit excuses and shave away with deception, continue in the Word and promises we know to be true!

As for me, will I choose, no matter what, to continue with my Lord?

Lord, keep me carefully plodding along with You, ready for and devoted to every good work no matter the road. May I continue faithfully because of Your grace and in light of Your glory.

“Come, let us return to the Lord;
    for he has torn us, that he may heal us;
    he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.
After two days he will revive us;
    on the third day he will raise us up,
    that we may live before him.
Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord;
    his going out is sure as the dawn;
he will come to us as the showers,
    as the spring rains that water the earth.” Hosea 6:1-3

Every tear in confidence, or a relationship, can be healed; every blow to body, or dreams, or security, can be bound in the soothing embrace and care of the Savior. He who knew all and bore all died to redeem all. “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief… Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” To Him we are called to return, to identify with Him, that we may be revived and live. (Isaiah 53:3-5)

God’s children suffer seasons, limited ‘days’ of suffering, longing, pain, long enough to realize the futility of the downward gaze, and to turn our faces upward for rescue to the One who surely comes. In depleted strength, when we can stand the darkness no longer, He arrives sure as the dawn, and we find fresh life in Him. “Say to those who have an anxious heart, ‘Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come… He will come and save you.’” (Isaiah 35:4)

Where have we strayed following disordered affections, pursuing idols, spending inordinate time on fruitless endeavors? Where have we allowed ourselves to wander into worldly thinking, prurient entertainment, a selfish mindset, or stubborn independence? The paths are many which lead us away from God, yet if we give attention, we hear His call, “Return!”

Are we thirsty from a drought of identity, of vision, of knowing the right way forward? Is our soul barren of hope, or holy desire, or willingness to forgive? Are we bereft of any discipline, any drive, any motivation? Have we neglected, or isolated ourselves from, friends with whom we can grow, who will boldly speak truth in love, challenge bad habits, and build us up in Christ? Hear His voice say, “Come. Let us press on to know the Lord.” He invites us together, He brings fresh showers for us to drink, and soak up, and find energy. He is like dew, falling upon us to drown out inertia, spark growth, and bring beauty and flourishing. (Hosea 14:5-7; Ephesians 4:15-16)

As the earth spins in orbit and daily greets the sun, our Lord is sure, and will surely come. He does not always accuse or harbor anger against whatever rent us, but lavishes love and compassion. He who bids us come to Him comes to meet us, with open arms. (Psalm 103:4-5,8-13)

What need I release to return to my Lord? What need I resolve to persist in pressing on to know Him?

Merciful Lord, captivate and direct my determination to come to You with all I am, and to press on in knowing, adoring, serving, and honoring You.

“Behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne [who] had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. ⁴ Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. ⁵ From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire… and… there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal…

“Day and night they never cease to say, ‘Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!..’ They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, ‘Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.’” Revelation 4:2-6,8,10-11

Each new day, we awaken into a sanctuary, where our Savior King reigns and bids us offer our bodies a living sacrifice in holy service. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus the Risen Lamb is Lord, and in humble adoration, we who know Him will lay crowns we’ve received at His nail-pierced feet. (Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 3:10-14; Philippians 2:9-11; Revelation 3:11)

“Crown Him with many crowns,
  The Lamb upon His throne;
Hark! how the heav’nly anthem drowns
  All music but its own!
  Awake, my soul, and sing
  Of Him who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King
  Through all eternity.

Every day He reigns. Will I greet Him with praise?

Crown him the Lord of love;
behold his hands and side,
rich wounds, yet visible above,
in beauty glorified;
no angels in the sky
can fully bear that sight,
but downward bends their burning eye
at mysteries so bright.

Every day He reigns. Will I adorn Him with thanksgiving for all He has done for me?

Crown him the Lord of life,
who triumphed o’er the grave,
and rose victorious in the strife
for those he came to save;
his glories now we sing
who died and rose on high,
who died eternal life to bring,
and lives that death may die.

Every day He reigns. With each breath, all vitality, and whole heart will I live for His glory?

Crown Him the Lord of peace,
  Whose power a scepter sways
From pole to pole, that wars may cease,
  And all be prayer and praise.
  His reign shall know no end,
  And round His pierced feet
Fair flowers of glory now extend
  Their fragrance ever sweet.

Every day He reigns. How are my interactions with others displaying His peace in my soul?

Crown him the Lord of years,
the potentate of time,
creator of the rolling spheres,
ineffably sublime.
All hail, Redeemer, hail!
for thou hast died for me;
thy praise shall never, never fail
throughout eternity.” ~Matthew Bridges (1851)

Every day He reigns. With what trust for the past, and hope for the future, will I exalt Him as sovereign Redeemer?

What crowns will we offer today? Words that magnify Him in all His worth and glory? Actions of excellence, grace, and generosity that make a difference for others, for eternity? Love lavished without thought for self?

Lord God, I crown You as the only true Victor, and hail You as my matchless King this day and forever.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.’

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
    and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his pinions,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
    nor the destruction that wastes at noonday...
‘When he calls to me, I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble;
    I will rescue him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.’” Psalm 91:1-6,15-16

“The Lord is your keeper;
    the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
    nor the moon by night.” Psalm 121:5-6

“Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.  And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:8-10

Watching storm clouds brew and race, at once dominating, then broken by blue, I wonder which will win out– the puffy white with sun, or a thunderstorm?

And which would I choose, the darkness drear, buffeting every resolve and plan, or the easy sunshine and its warm embrace? Clouds win out when they drop their rain, and sometimes in frightening torrents whipped by accompanying wind. But the sky still opens blue behind and above, and the sun still shines beyond. Both will win in their time, so both it will be for me, since I choose to look and trust and prefer beyond, where my Lord is enthroned. I must answer ‘yes’ for the experience of knowing my Keeper in any weather.

Without stress, we do not know the calming of supernatural peace; without opposition we know not victory. Without pain, we know not relief; without sorrow, we know not comfort. Without suffering, we know not healing; without want, we know not divine supply. Without weakness, we know not God’s strength; without questioning, we know not His answers. Without chilling cold, we know not warmth; without aloneness, we appreciate not an embrace. Without drought and thirst, we cherish not His living water; without sour or bitter, we recognize not sweet. Without the sting of conviction, we know not the balm of forgiveness; without rift in a relationship, we know not joyful reconciliation.

So I would choose both, dark clouds and shining sun, because the tension is where faith is forged and the Lord is seen. What causes me to resist the storms and shadows He prescribes? What ease am I preferring, what fear is paralyzing, what control am I insisting on, that preclude my learning from every weather?

Lord, teach me to say a hearty “Yes!” to all You ordain, and make me faithful to exalt, trust, and glorify You as Ruler and End of everything.

“Oh how I love your law!
    It is my meditation all the day.
Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
    for it is ever with me...

Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path…
Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
    for they are the joy of my heart…

Your testimonies are wonderful;
    therefore my soul keeps them.
The unfolding of your words gives light;
    it imparts understanding to the simple.
I open my mouth and pant,
    because I long for your commandments…

Your promise is well tried,
    and your servant loves it…
Your righteousness is righteous forever,
    and your law is true.
Trouble and anguish have found me out,
    but your commandments are my delight.
Your testimonies are righteous forever;
    give me understanding that I may live.

I rise before dawn and cry for help;
    I hope in your words.
My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
    that I may meditate on your promise.” Psalm 119:97-98,105,111,129-131,140,142-144,147-148

Opening an envelope and then the enclosed letter, unwrapping a gift, unfolding crisp tissue paper to reveal the gift wrapped inside… There is nothing like the sweet anticipation, the savored blend of heartbeat and hand, before a treasure is discovered, and made all our own. Ah, what light and delight the unfolding of God’s word affords!

His word reveals with brilliance who God is, His infinite attributes, His perfect character. The longer we meditate, the more we see; the more we see, the greater we love and adore.

“With you is the fountain of life;
    in your light do we see light.” Psalm 36:9

Unfolding God’s word shines light on what God has done for us. From beginning to end, the Scriptures trace the blood red thread of Jesus Christ: in the early garden promised, in the middle praised and prophesied, in the gospels presented and proclaimed. We see His pursuing conviction, perfect redemption, precious salvation, persistent sanctification.

“Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul 
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole 
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me 
Thy great salvation so rich and free.” ~Besse Sykes (1905-1986) and Seth Sykes (1892-1950)

God’s word is a companion on our daily journey of wisdom, understanding, and help. It supplies appropriate words, teaches right thinking, inspires our work, warns of coming dangers, exposes temptations, strengthens resolve, bouys hope, and directs our steps.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8

Unfolding God’s word- before dawn, at noonday, or in the dark of night- opens to us the Light of the world to flood our hearts, adorn our countenance, and grace our heads with His radiance. We cannot look into it without being changed; it bubbles joy out through our affection and ministry to others.

“Those who look to him are radiant,
    and their faces shall never be ashamed...“ Psalm 34:5

What will we do, or adjust, to make God’s word our meditation all the day? What voices need to go so we can best establish this habit of His word first?

“Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2

Lord, keep me panting for and delighting in Your word, so graciously unfolded and opened to me.