Feasting on God’s Word
Amy Radford of Harford, PA, USA
May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace! -Psalm 29:11
My daughter is a pure delight except when she is “hangry,” the state of hunger when she is grumpy. This happens often, as her stomach is a bottomless pit, and the phrase “I’m hungry” is on repeat.
She is a grazer. Her hobbit-like appetite requires breakfast, then second breakfast, and then third breakfast. Her metabolism is a high-speed machine, a trait she may get from me. I find myself grazing on so many things to fill that hungry void in my life, but none of them truly satisfy me for long.
Unfortunately, this goes for my time with God as well. I flip open my Bible before I get ready to head out the door, read a verse, a cute little saying, and hope it will carry me through the day. I’m sure this is just producing spiritual indigestion. I read God’s Word so fast I don’t give myself time to digest it. Yet, I think I am doing okay because at least I can check it off my to-do list. Then I wonder why I struggle to respond positively in the face of adversity, get irritated so easily, or battle feelings of mediocrity. I have taken in enough of God’s Word to help me not feel guilty but not enough to energize me for what lies ahead.
It may seem like my life is always in the fast lane, but I have learned that if I expect to walk in the Spirit, it may require more than just a hobbit-type appetite. If I make the time to sit down and enjoy the Word of God, I savor God’s rich blessings and find a fullness that will carry me through whatever I face. Psalm 119:16 reminds us, “I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.”
Prayer Phrase
Let your world of beauty capture me.
Spiritual Practice
Growing a Gracious, Generous Heart
Open your heart to God’s grace and generosity with a “breath prayer.” Let your breathing slow and deepen. Be aware of God’s breath moving in and out of your heart. Spend several minutes focusing on breathing in God’s generosity. With each breath, silently name one gift for which you are thankful. Let your heart expand to contain God’s gracious outpouring of love. With each breath out, name one gift you want to share from the overflow of your heart.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
