I don’t know about you, but any time I need encouragement, hope, joy, and peace, I know exactly where to find it. There’s only one place. It’s in the Bible! It doesn’t matter where I turn to in it it uplifts me within only a matter of seconds. Here’s the secret though… this life giving Word of God works best when you treasure it and make it precious to you. You have to expect to receive peace and joy when you open it. You can’t just open the Bible and expect it to fall on you all by itself. You have to draw it out. Doing this isn’t strange or weird either. We actually do this all the time.
Have you ever been at work and your boss is telling you something that needs to be done a certain way. You have an internal choice to make when listening to his or her instructions. You can either just stand there and not pay attention to them, drift off and think of something else completely, and try to get the jist of what they’re telling you. Or, you can choose to pay attention and focus on their every word so you understand them completely. You might even grab a pen and paper and write it down so you won’t forget it. You’re listening with the intention of doing it. This is the very definition of hearken in the Bible.
Exodus 15:26 If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.
This is how you listen and read the Word of God. You are reading it with the intention of doing it, paying close attention, making notes, looking it up in other translations to get the entire meaning, because you treasure every word. Why? Because you know the Bible holds the answer to every problem you will ever have, the cure to any disease, the secret to health and prosperity, freedom from worry and fear, and it overcomes the world!
The following chapter is so amazing!
Psalm 16 The Passion Translation (TPT) The Golden Secret
1 Keep me safe, O mighty God. I run for dear life to you, my safe place. 2 So I said to the Lord God, “You are my Maker, my Mediator, and my Master. Any good thing you find in me has come from you.”[b] 5 Lord, I have chosen you alone as my inheritance. You are my prize, my pleasure, and my portion. I leave my destiny and its timing in your hands.[e] 6 Your pleasant path leads me to pleasant places. I’m overwhelmed by the privileges that come with following you, for you have given me the best! 7 The way you counsel and correct me makes me praise you more, for your whispers in the night give me wisdom, showing me what to do next. 8 Because you are close to me and always available, my confidence will never be shaken, for I experience your wrap-around presence every moment. 9 My heart and soul explode with joy—full of glory! Even my body will rest confident and secure. 10 For you will not abandon me to the realm of death, nor will you allow your Holy One to experience corruption.[f] 11 For you bring me a continual revelation of resurrection life, the path to the bliss that brings me face-to-face with you.[g]
This wouldn’t be complete without reading this amazing chapter in the Message translation.
Psalm 16 The Message (MSG) A David Song
1-2 Keep me safe, O God, I’ve run for dear life to you. I say to GOD, “Be my Lord!” Without you, nothing makes sense. 4 Don’t just go shopping for a god. Gods are not for sale. I swear I’ll never treat god-names like brand-names. 5-6 My choice is you, GOD, first and only. And now I find I’m your choice! You set me up with a house and yard. And then you made me your heir! 7-8 The wise counsel GOD gives when I’m awake is confirmed by my sleeping heart. Day and night I’ll stick with GOD I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go. 9-10 I’m happy from the inside out, and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed. You canceled my ticket to hell— that’s not my destination! 11 Now you’ve got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face. Ever since you took my hand, I’m on the right way.
All of this boils down to a choice and the secret to a truly happy life that isn’t dependent on your circumstances.
My choice is You, GOD, first and only. You are my prize, my pleasure, and my portion. I’m overwhelmed by the privileges that come with following You. My heart and soul explode with joy!
There is ALWAYS hope, Love Kelly
