INTIMACY BY GOD’S WORD

“Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day” – Psalm 119:97

There can be no real spiritual growth without Divine INTIMACY by GOD’S WORD: “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day” (Psa.119:97). We know God by knowing His Word. Intimacy grows as we immerse ourselves in His Word. Through reading, study, and meditation on Scripture, the Lord reveals Himself to us. However, intimacy is not just a mental exercise. It includes the engagement of our emotions as we love, serve, and worship God. The more we get to know the Lord through His Word, the deeper our love and devotion to Him will become.

Another vital aspect of intimacy with God is an increased desire to obey Him. As we attune our hearts and minds to care about the things that matter to God, we’ll delight to do what He says. If we’ve not settled for a superficial connection with Him, then His Word must be our priority. Intimacy with God through engaging with His Word includes: reading, meditating, memorizing, studying, and reflecting on scriptures.

Reading regularly: “Till I come, give attention to READING, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1Tim.4:13). We must make scripture reading a daily habit, focusing on different books and passages, allowing ourselves to be immersed in God’s Word in order to gain a broader understanding of Him. Reading scriptures regularly leads to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God’s Will and Character. Scripture reading can help renew our minds, allowing us to discern God’s Will and align with it, thereby fostering a sense of intimacy with Him.

Meditating on Scripture: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he MEDITATES day and night” (Psa.1:2). We do not just read the scriptures superficially, but delve into their meaning, context, and relevance to our lives. To meditate goes beyond reading. It is to slow down and allow verses to sink into our hearts, pondering their meaning and practical application to life. Reflecting on and internalizing scripture can shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions, aligning them with God’s Will.

Memorizing Scripture: “For whoever has, to him more will be given” (Mk.4:25). Those who retain what God gives them will be given more.  Memorizing verses allows us to readily access God’s wisdom and truth when we need it, providing comfort, encouragement, and guidance. Memorizing key verses can provide a powerful resource for spiritual strength and comfort. As we meditate on scripture, we’ll gain a richer understanding of God’s Character, attributes, and plans for our lives.

Studying Scripture: “STUDY to show yourself approved unto God a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2Tim.2:15, kjv). This implies studying with purpose, using study methods to understand the context, meaning, and application of the scriptures, in order to practice the principles learnt in daily living. We can also use commentaries, study guides, or online resources to deepen our understanding of scripture.