Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalms 1:1-3 (NIV)
God’s Word refreshes the soul. It is a spring of living water, a table set with all sorts of delicious fare, and a deep mine of costly treasure. Godly people are greatly influenced by meditating on its Truths rather than simply listening to and imbibing in the unrighteous rabble of those in their spheres. Scripture contains precepts to follow for our transformation and growth in Christlikeness. It contains promises to claim for our comfort and peace. It keep our heads above water when afflicted, keeping us from sinking when the billows roll hard over our weary souls. It is our great duty to study and search the Scriptures. And it is a mercy that the tree of knowledge, the Word of God, is not forbidden yet commanded. Those who neglect it do so at their own peril. We are certainly the losers if we choose to disregard this high calling.
The Word of God is to be our rule for life. We are to be obedient to all that is commanded within it through the power of the Holy Spirit – meditating on its precepts and delighting in its promises. Meditation involves study and retention. It begins as a duty but quickly turns into a delight. It is God’s revealed will to us and we are called to study to show ourselves approved workmen who can rightly divide the Truth within its pages. All that is commanded in it deserves our obedience as it is the sole rule for our holiness – which is not found in our imaginations nor in our inclinations. As Moses stated: When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you--they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” Deuteronomy 32:45-47 (NIV)
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (NIV)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 2 Timothy 2:15-16 (NIV)