“Had your law not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” Psalm 119:92
I feel as though this verse could be stapled across the last four years of my life. In the darkest hours, God’s Word has been not a balm but the balm for my soul. Every single day, as I went to God in pain and brokenness and opened the Bible to see what He had for me that day, He set my feet on the Rock and anchored my soul in hope.
There have been several things hugely encouraging in this season of suffering. I’ve had certain songs on repeat that helped me cry through some of the hard and ministered deeply. There have been sermons that seemed written just for me. We’ve been loved on by friends and family and I’ve read good books that spoke to grief.
But as helpful as all of that has been, none of it compares to the healing I’ve found in God’s Word. Hands down, it has been getting into the Word that has lifted my head day after day when I’ve been at my lowest.
It’s been my daily exchange.
Each morning I’ve come to my Bible time and exchanged my worry for God’s peace. My despair for His hope. My pain for His promise. My feelings for God’s truth.
I’ve had to do it daily. I can’t get into the Word one day and have it carry me through the week. I keep learning this lesson. It’s when I have a particularly hard day, not just because of the day’s events but because I’m stressed and worried or super downhearted that I realize – oh yeah . . . I didn’t spend time in the Bible this morning.
The day got ahead of me, I put off Bible study until I got some other important things done and before I knew it, my emotions had plummeted. I need a daily exchange of my thoughts for God’s thoughts. A fresh filling of His promises, His character, His hope.
This prescript for daily filling is pictured beautifully as God fed the Jewish people when they wandered for 40 years in the desert. Every morning, He rained down manna — bread from heaven – and every morning each family had to go out and pick up enough for their family that day.
They couldn’t gather enough to last for the week. Leftover manna turned rancid and wormy. There was one exception: God preserved a double portion gathered on Friday so they could rest on the Sabbath. Otherwise, it was a daily gathering.
What God gave the Jewish people physically, He gives us spiritually. Daily manna.
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35
We need that same fresh filling. Nothing calms me, grounds me, restores my soul, lifts my head, fixes my perspective, renews my hope, confirms my purpose and woos my heart like a daily dose of God’s Word.
And there’s never been an easier time to get into God’s Word. Here are four of my favorite ways:
1. Choose a book of the Bible and start reading a chapter a day. No need to search randomly through the Bible to find something that will speak to us. It’s flat out amazing how God will personally speak to our circumstances and our need as we simply read chapter by chapter. Here are 3 different Bible reading plans.
2. Join a Bible study. This is a great way to jump start a good rhythm of Bible study. There are online Bible studies, studies through local churches and community Bible studies such as Bible Study Fellowship. Look for a study that digs into scripture rather than one that discusses a book.
3. Use a devotional guide. A daily devotional is a great bridge to get into the Word. One of my favorites – Streams in the Desert .
4. Download an app. Thank you smart phones for making it even easier to get our daily dose of God’s Word! Proverbs 31 ministries has a new free app that will send a devotional to you every morning. If you’re like me and you check your phone before your feet hit the floor in the morning (confession), the First5 app is a great way to start your day.
I’m forever grateful for God’s Word; forever grateful that I can daily exchange my brokenness for His fullness
What helps you get into God’s Word? What stops you? I’ve learned every morning is a new chance for me to take a few minutes to meet with God.
Amen! Thank you Lisa for your encouragement today!
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Amen!! This is so true!! Thank you for this💕💕
The ‘daily exchange’ is a wonderful phrase to describe it. I’ve been encouraged by your writing. Thank you for sharing your gift.
Natalie, writing and interacting with y’all here is so healing.
“We need that same fresh filling. Nothing calms me, grounds me, restores my soul, lifts my head, fixes my perspective, renews my hope, confirms my purpose and woos my heart like a daily dose of God’s Word.”
I love that! So true–when I don’t sit down to listen to His words in the morning I’m running on empty all day. So grateful for the power of Scripture to change me and invite His presence into my day.
Me too Joanna… that’s exactly how I feel.
Luke 11:3 Give us each day our daily bread. Thank You, Jesus.
Pam, we don’t often equate that with His spiritual food. Thank you for that reminder!
Lisa! I just realized I got so excited about sharing your post that I forgot to comment! This post is right up my alley since my vision is encouraging women to get God’s word IN so their faith can spill OUT. I appreciate the 4 suggestions you give at the end, as well as the encouragement to show up and get that daily exchange. We need our daily dose of God’s Word.
Betsy, I know this is your heart! And you’re right. . we can only spill out what God puts in us. Thank you!
Love the ideas and how you’re reaching out through this series, Lisa. The faithfulness and strength of God’s word sees us through life’s tough. So thankful you stood on it. #livefree
Thank you for the reminder of the great writings of Mrs Cowman. I have one of her older versions dating back to 1965 that is tattered and worn, read many times over the past 20 something years. God has given you a beautiful gift in writing as well. Thank you for sharing from your heart and being such an encouragement to so many.
Wow, Alisa, that book’s walked some folks through life’s trials. The tattered and well-used books are the best.
God’s Word not only feeds us, it whets our appetites for more! Taste and see that the Lord is good.
It does make us hunger for even more, Connie.
Starting my day off with my quiet time is so imperative if I want my home to peaceful each day. The day gets so off track mood wise when I haven’t been in m Bible. I love the First5 app-that was such a brilliant idea!
Very true, Anastasia. It’s hard to pour out to family when we haven’t been poured into!
What a great reminder. I can tell such a huge difference in my day when I get into the Word early. Studying whole books of the Bible is so important. Why would you read random sentences from a letter? I have two Littles, 2 1/2 &1 1/2ish, and they have radar and know when mama gets up, so sometimes I can’t get to my study until after breakfast. I also put up Scriptures around the house. I write it out on note cards and stick it to the microwave over our stove. Mirrors get it too. I have art with verses on it as well. Thanks for the encouragement. Sharing on Facebook, StumbleUpon and pinterest.
Robbi, what IS it about little ones knowing when you get up early for some quiet? Good for you for finding a way to get the Word. How encouraging.
Wonderful words! I have to have my devotion and prayer time the very first thing or everything else gets in the way. without Him? I am lost! Thank you for the encouragement today, found you at Titus 2sday! ♥
I have found that when I write it takes me in to the word of God in a different way and it keeps my relationship with him real. He is an awesome God and He can handle all of my questions and sometimes lack of faith. My most recent post show s that. It started a s a day away from Him and ended with His arms holding and comforting me. http://job6-3.blogspot.com/
Thank u for the wonderful guidance