If you want to keep joy in your life, then you must stay in God’s Word. Few things are more important! Why? God’s Word is a shield for you, and it is one way to stop confusion and fear. His Word guides and directs our steps so getting into it every day is a good plan.

Read Psalm 1 and notice how a person obtains joy. It reads, what the godly person does not do and also what he or she does do. Oh, the JOYS…

Psalm 1

1. Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
2. But they delight in the law of the lord,
meditating on it day and night.
3. They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.
4. But not the wicked!
They are like worthless chaff,
scattered by the wind.
5. They will be condemned at the time of judgement.
Sinners will have no place among the godly,
6. for the lord watches over the path of the godly,
but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

Did you notice what the godly person does not do and what he or she does do? Well, he or she does not take advice from the wicked, stand around sinners, or join in with mockers. This person does not actively involve himself with people who live in sin. Another words, this person stays away from the grumbling people who do nothing but mock others and sin(verse 1). Right? If you want joy, take heart. Stay away from grumbling sinners who mock.

Now, what does the godly person do to obtain joy? He or she delights his or herself in the Law of the LORD, day and night, meditating on it. That means this person spends a lot of time reading the Bible. He or she thinks about it even after reading it. He and she applies the Word to his or her life as a way of life.

Notice what happens to the godly person. He or she is refreshed by the flow of God’s Word in his or her life. This person is like a tree that is planted near a riverbank, drinking up the luscious water that flows throughout their body offering refreshment. Eternal refreshment. Soak it in and enjoy the flow of His Word. It is cleansing and replenishing. That’s what God’s Word does for the godly person. It gives us fruit in each season of our life, our leaves do not wither, and everything we do will prosper (3). Plus, the LORD watches over our path in verse 6.

Throughout my life, I have read God’s Word consistently. Some days are better than others, but I can honestly say the flow is at its peak when I stay in God’s Word. Simply stated, my life has a considerable advantage and the joy remains. When I drift away from reading it, things become hectic and my own judgement seems to fade. This discernment, or ability to judge the things that surround me, fades. You see, God’s Word gives us that spiritual guidance that comes straight from the mouth of God, so it is a major conversation between us. His Word shouts out when we start to turn away from His teachings. The Holy Spirit prompts us and guides us through the power of the living, breathing Word of God. We really don’t want to neglect that for very long because His Word keeps us connected to the source, which is Jesus, Himself. The Word made flesh.

So, spend a lot of time in the Word. Dig deeply into its roots and enjoy it. Memorize it, and study it diligently. There are plenty of ways to memorize Scripture. Read it, write it, and say it until you know it. Another way is to dig deeply into the meaning and apply what it is saying to things that pertain to you. Sometimes, I will follow the helpful passages that are connected to what I am reading. Every Bible is different, but many have other Scriptures that point you in another direction. Sometimes, I pick a book and dig deeper, comparing it to similar books. Maybe, Matthew to Luke, Psalms to Proverbs, and so forth. Other times, I have read through the Bible in a year. I have done that many times, and strongly enjoy reading a chronological Bible because it is laid out based on when the events actually happened. Which ever you do, get to know God’s Word. You will not regret it.

Another very important point, get to know God as your read His Word. Remember, prayer and Scripture go hand in hand. Prayer is a vital tool when it comes to understanding His Word. Whenever I come to a stand still, I ask Jesus to teach me and show me what He means. I ask Him to help me see clearly what He is saying and to show me how this applies to my life. In that way, I am developing that very important relationship, seeking Him through prayer and supplication; I ask Him many, many things. In return, He quickens my spirit with wisdom of His Word. Remember, His Word will never fail (Luke 1:37. NLT). He is faithful and a constant help in times of trouble.

In closing, know that “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17. NLT).

Scriptures on the Word of God

• Luke 1:37 “For the Word of God will never fail.”
• Hebrews 4:12 “For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes the innermost thoughts and desires.”
• Matthew 13:21 “But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s Word.”
• Matthew 13:22 “The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s Word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.
• Matthew 13: 23 “The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s Word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much times as much as had been planted!”
• Luke 8:11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s Word.”
• Mark 4:14 “The farmer plants seed by taking God’s Word to others.”
• Luke 11:28 “Jesus replied, But even more blessed are all who hear the Word of God and put it into practice.”
• John 8:47 “Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the Words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.”
• Acts 13:46 “Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, ‘It was necessary that we first preach the Word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles.”

By Debbie Allen Ed.D