Blessings upon blessings are found in alone time with God. Psalm 1 shares one of my favorites.
Psalm 1:1-3,
Blessed is the one … whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers. — NIV
For me, that word "meditate" brings to mind the image of sitting quietly, pondering and reflecting upon what I'm studying. However, in Hebrew this word is "hagah." It's often translated ruminate, eat, or chew on something.
We find "hagah" again in Isaiah 31:4 which says,
For thus the Lord said to me, 'As a lion or young lion growls over his prey...' — ESV
Here "hagah" is translated "growl."
I found that second image, devouring God's word like a lion eats its prey, incredibly insightful and totally from mine!
I'm inviting you to "hagah" on our key verse today, Romans 15:4.
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have Hope.
In this verse, God explains the role He intends for His Word to play in your life.
- God sent His Word for your instruction.
- God sent His Word to provide steadfastness and encouragement.
- God sent His Word to sustain your hope.
This verse gives us a new lens through which to view our circumstances … God's lens that encourages us to press on … endure … be steadfast.
It also tells us that same Word will sustain our hope.
The Bible reveals story upon story of people just like you and me pressing through the hard seasons, enduring and finding encouragement and hope even when everything in them wanted to turn back, give up, or walk away.
Friend, never forget your sacred pauses with God in His Word gird your mind to live steadfastly, abide in hope, even in the midst of your unsettled soul.
Invitation for You: Commit to a daily time of solitude this week. Take one sacred pause with God each day. Here are a few verses to meditate on during your time with God. Hebrews 1:3 (God's glory), Colossians 3:12-13 (loving and forgiving others), Psalm 4:8 (peace and rest).
Prayer for you:
Lord, please settle my friend's unsettled soul. Help her to carve out time to sit with You and "hagah" on Your Word. Minister to her heart and her hurt as You did Jesus in the Garden. She's waiting to receive the words of encouragement You have for her to quiet her heart and help her endure what she's walking through. We trust You, Lord. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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