Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
The Word of God is so powerful. In Genesis, God showed us he created the heavens and the earth with his words. His word is living. His word has everything we need for life and godliness. His word is truth. In Matthew 4, Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tempted by the devil. He was tempted with having his immediate needs met, in his identity, and with wealth and power. In each instance, he did not entertain any of the offers. Rather, he rebuked Satan with the word of God. Jesus had the word of God in him, prepared for battle, and because the truth was in him, he was able to speak the truth and reject the alluring offers of the enemy who was attempting to derail Jesus and get him to sin. Jesus used the word of God as his defense against Satan, and then he fled.
Many years ago, I experienced a deep betrayal from a core relationship I was in. It was very painful and caused significant disruption in almost every area of my life. One Sunday, as I was attending church, the scriptures shared in the sermon felt like they were speaking directly to me and my hurt. I noted each reference and when I got home, I wrote out each verse in my notebook. For an entire year, I spoke those scriptures over my life every single day before I went to sleep. I put my name in them, meditated on them, and allowed them to penetrate the wounds in my heart. Before long, those verses were memorized and became a part of me. They brought me healing, dispelled lies, and spoke truth. They reminded me of who God was, of who he said I was, and helped me to walk in forgiveness.
The enemy loves to use lies and half-truths to keep us bound. He makes us think our circumstances cannot change, our pain is too great, our selfishness is justified, and our unforgiveness understandable. He tells us God doesn’t heal, we are worthless, our opportunities are gone,…. You get the picture. He plays with our emotions and distorts our perspective. But the Word of God changes that. Psalm 119:103-105 says, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
The Word of God shines a light on the things the enemy wants to stay hidden. When we see the enemies’ strategies, we can combat them with the Word. God’s word will do exactly what it says. His word dispels demons, heals diseases, restores identities, teaches forgiveness, shows us we are loved, leads us to salvation, facilitates correction, is filled with promises, brings hope and joy, and so much more.
As you explore God’s Word, ask him to highlight what he wants you to cling to. Ask Him to show you the verses he has that invite him into your places of need. Ask him to show you who he is and who he says you are in him. Because he will. He delights in revealing himself to us and showing us how to walk victoriously in him. When he does, let those words wash over you and penetrate to the core of your being. Let him love you, heal you, and fill you with hope.
Listening Prayer:
Holy Spirit, show me what you want to highlight to me in your word. What verses do you want me to use to speak over my life, my circumstances, my emotions, and my pain? Write the verses down and meditate on them.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your scripture. What a powerful weapon! Thank you that your word is living and true. Thank you for ministering to me through your Word. As I read and meditate on scripture, highlight the verses you want me to pray. Show me what you want me to memorize and meditate upon. Bring to mind passages pertinent to the challenges I face. Highlight truths in your Word when I intercede for others. May your word be my greatest delight. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Resource: Bible Verses on the Word
John 17:17
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
Romans 10:17
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
Matthew 4:4
“But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”