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Practice Makes Progress: Day 4 – Feasting on Scripture

Today’s Scripture

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

The Spiritual Practice of Engaging with Scripture

In a world filled with constant noise, opinions, and distractions, it’s easy to feel lost or overwhelmed. But in the midst of this chaos, God has given us a profound gift—His Word, the Bible. 

Scripture is not just an ancient text, but a living, breathing revelation from the Creator, relevant to every part of our lives. It’s a miracle that we have access to the very words of God, words that have stood the test of time and continue to speak to us today.

In Psalm 119:105, the psalmist describes God’s Word as a “lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” This vivid imagery reminds us that Scripture is not only illuminating in the sense that it reveals truth, but it also provides guidance, clarity, and direction for our lives. 

The Word of God helps us navigate the complexities of life, offering wisdom, correction, comfort, and joy. It is as relevant today as it was when it was first written—its timeless nature transcends cultures, eras, and individual circumstances. The Bible does not go out of style, and it doesn’t get replaced with a newer model, or something that’s better for humanity. 

Almost every human invention must either be updated (like cars, phones and computers) to stay relevant for our use, or is done away with altogether (like floppy disks, walkmans and Blockbuster) because they’ve become obsolete. Not so with Scripture. While the way we access it can differ now that digital technology exists, it remains the best-selling and most widely read book of all time, and its contents remain unaltered.

When we engage with Scripture, we feast on a banquet of life. 

The Bible is not just words on a page; it is the living Word of God, breathed out by Him for our instruction, our growth, and our transformation (2 Timothy 3:16). 

It holds the answers to life’s most profound questions and the wisdom we need to grow in holiness. When we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, we nourish our souls, renew our minds, and strengthen our faith.

Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of God’s Word when He quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, saying, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Just as our bodies need food to survive, our souls need the sustenance that comes from engaging with Scripture. It is through the Word that we experience spiritual growth and transformation. Without it, we risk spiritual starvation.

One of the most incredible aspects of Scripture is its relevance to every area of our lives. Whether we’re facing personal struggles, relational difficulties, or moments of great joy, God’s Word speaks to us. 

The Bible doesn’t just offer abstract theological concepts; it provides practical wisdom for daily living. 

It offers guidance on how to love others, how to navigate suffering, how to make wise decisions, and how to grow in our relationship with God.

When we face difficult seasons or uncertainty, the promises of Scripture anchor us. I have had times in my life where I was so stressed and anxious that I couldn’t get settled. I would fret and stew and pace and try to reason my way out of those feelings. 

Finally, once I would engage with Scripture, I could feel a physical weight lift from my soul as the truth of God’s living Word began to permeate and do its work of calibration. I began to see things as they were and was reminded Who is holding it all. 

It didn’t mean everything was suddenly solved or different, but I was certainly different in the midst of it. I am trying to make Scripture my first line of defense rather than my last resort. When we struggle with doubt or fear, the truth of God’s Word reassures us. When we are tempted to sin, the Word equips us with the strength to resist. In every circumstance, God’s Word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, discerning the thoughts and intentions of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12).

The practice of engaging with Scripture requires commitment, patience, and a willingness to be shaped by God’s truth. 

But as we make it a habit to engage with Scripture daily, we will see the fruits of this practice—greater peace, deeper joy, and a more intimate relationship with God.

Today’s Challenge:
Today, take time to engage with God’s Word. If you don’t have a regular Bible reading habit, start small—read one chapter or meditate on a verse that resonates with you. Let the Word of God speak to you, guide you, and transform you. Consider journaling what God reveals to you as you reflect on Scripture throughout the day.

Today’s Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the incredible gift of Your Word. Help me to recognize its power and its relevance in my life. Give me a hunger to feast on Scripture and a heart that is open to being transformed by it. May Your Word be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path as I seek to live according to Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.