Apprentice 2 Jesus

The Vitality of the Word of God

Psalm 19:7-14

One of the most important ways for me to stay equipped as a leader is to make sure my core values are strong. If my core values are in tact, then I discover purpose in my life. From purpose will flow vision and mission.

Who God is and who I am in Christ are essential to the core values. The two most important places to discover those truths are in the Word of God and prayer. It must start with the Word because his Word is truth. His truth must soak into me. This is why the study of the Word is crucial to the equipping of any Christian leader, no matter what field they find in their career.

Psalm 19:7-14 draws out the beauty of the Word and its power.

The Word has power to revive the soul (v. 7). There are times I find myself beat down and even too weak to pray anything other than, “Woe is me!” or some other deep prayer like that. In those times I will open up the Word. When it is really tough, I will revisit passages that are familiar to me. I call them my “ancient wells.” They are places where the Lord has refreshed me again and again.

I will visit those ancient wells and pray them aloud at times. Often, I will simply read a passage over and over. I may pause and do some cross-referencing and more verses pour into my life. The Spirit begins to flow and the goodness and mercy of God revive and refresh my soul. The pains of life, the struggle may still be there. Yet, it is now well with my soul. When my soul is refreshed, perspective returns.

One other key area out of these verses is this: “By (your Word) is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (v. 11).

The Word is truth. It clearly warns me of the dangers that can face me in life. The moral minefield in our world is navigated more successfully if I will live in biblical purity.

When I will allow the Word to be my source, I find decision-making to be clearer. When I allow the Word to teach me about finances, I find provision in my checking account! When I allow the Word to instruct me in family life, my relationship with my wife and kids is healthy. There is great reward.

It’s not very often someone will get in a care to take a trip to a new destination without some sort of map to guide them along the way. Very few people jump in the care and say, “Well, I’ve never driven to South Carolina, but I’ll wing it. I’ll just let the Spirit guide me.” Of those few who might attempt it, even fewer would actually make it.

It is sad that far too often we, as Christian leaders, have a road map for our lives, a map that will give us our core values and thus a powerful inner compass, and we will throw it in the glove box and never consult it. We wing our way through life, hoping a prayer here, and “verse for the day” there, will somehow get us through.

The Word is vital. It is life. Jesus didn’t come to give us an anemic life. He came to give us an overflowing life. Paying attention to this Word is about the opportunity to live with an abundant soul. Why would anyone want to refuse that opportunity?

The Word is my map. It does not belong in the glove box. It belongs in front of me so I can get it in me. Out of that heart abundance flows.