Christian Writers Circle

Time in the Word
by Judy Hitson

Amos 8:11 NASB
“Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD God,
“When I will send a famine on the land,
Not a famine for bread or a thirst for water,
But rather for hearing the word of the LORD.

Sound the alarm! Twenty four hours a day, that’s it! Imagine a day when the LORD God sends a famine for hearing His word. How does it affect you? Does it call you to a greater commitment to hide God’s word in your heart and share it with others? We are blessed with a free will to make choices. May the Lord grip our hearts with the reality of such a famine that we choose to spend more time with Him in His word.

How much time do you commit to Bible reading in your day?

The Bible is the word of God. It is essential to take time in the word as an activity of daily living. Each morning we prepare ourselves for the day ahead of us.

What are some things you must do to be ready for your day?

Is having a daily quiet time with God one of those for Bible reading and prayer or perhaps a short devotional reading? Whether you take a few moments or a few hours hearing the word of the LORD, I urge you to spend time in the word to see and hear by His Spirit what He has to say to you. We are blessed at this time of history to have access to Bibles, Christian materials, and technical means of media to read or hear the word of God.

With a time coming for a famine of hearing the word of the LORD, I share a few Scriptures that tug at my heart. They may be familiar to you. I hope they will be meaningful as you think about time in the word with the LORD, your God.
John 4:34 NASB
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work.   

John 6:53-58 Read these verses and consider Jesus words to eat His body and drink His blood as eating the words of Scripture like food for your soul.

Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm but one that is filled with insight on God’s word. For example,
Psalm 119:11 NASB Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee.
Psalm 119:103 NIV My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.
Psalm 119:105 NASB Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.

Ps. 81:10 NIV I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.

Time in the word of God is a necessity for me in daily living. Is it for you? You can relate time in the word to time eating daily meals and snacks. Time in Bible study, daily Bible reading and learning to pray the word are like the meat and potatoes. Devotionals are like tasty spiritual snacks that take a few minutes to read but the nourishment for the soul can be timeless treasures. Time for Scripture memory can be vital for the Spirit of God to bring recall in times of need.

Prayer: Lord, bless us with daily time in your word in our hours and moments to receive Your living word by Your Spirit, who gives us life. This I ask in Your name, Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.