Key scripture – “Pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.” (Proverbs 4:20b-22 NIV)

Do you ever get overwhelmed when you sit down to read your Bible? There are so many books in the Bible, spiritual insights, promises and life-altering truths … that you think, where do I begin today?

The Bible is a love letter to you from God. His words are a lifeline. A whisper from God. A personal note to you. A treasure.

As you spend time in God’s Word, you may go through seasons where you consume a chapter at a time and other seasons where you just stay on one or two verses for days until they are stored in your heart so that they become life to you and health to your body.

Author, Lisa Terkeurst says, in order to really pay attention and listen well to what God is saying, look for one verse that you can savor word by word, letting it sink in deeply and interrupt you, rearrange you, and redirect you.

And then pray …

“God, what plans have I made for today that this verse needs to interrupt?

“God, what thoughts did I bring in from yesterday that this verse needs to rearrange?

“And God, what heart attitudes have I been carrying that this verse needs to redirect?”

God’s Word is the protective covering over your plans, your mind and your heart. If you run free without it, you will surely find yourself tripping over your own; selfishness, insecurities, anger, fear, impatience, pride, unforgiveness, and weaknesses. So, with His love letter, God reminds you to pause, pause, pause.

Pause and let the Holy Spirit intervene in your natural flesh’s response.

Pause so you don’t make the conversations all about you.

Pause and remember your not always right.

Pause to see the blessings, so many blessings from God, and say “thank you” at least once an hour.

Pause to serve, pause to give, pause to encourage when everyone else rushes by.

“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding — indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding … then you will understand what is right and just and fair — every good path,” (Proverbs 2:1-3, 9, NIV).

Don’t get overwhelmed with the enormity and depth of the Bible. It’s okay if you read just a verse or two today and talk to God about them.

But more importantly than reading His words, you must choose to receive them. And even more importantly, you must live them, and abide in them. Jesus told us, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.” (John 15:10).

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, as I meditate on Your Word, help me to see You today in a single word or in a single verse. You are all powerful and anything is possible through You. May Your words and Your truth seep into the plans I make, every thing I do, and every thought I think today. Your Word is wisdom. I want wisdom and instruction, which I can only get through Your Word. “Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.” (Proverbs 4:10-13, NIV). Father, obedience is better than sacrifice, so teach me how to hear and obey the Word of God moment by moment and step by step. “[Jesus] replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.’” (Luke 11:28, NIV). Fill me with Your wisdom and instructions. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

 Laura Ingle