We live each day in a sea of words. To avoid drowning, we apply filters—choosing which words to pay attention to and which to ignore. 

However, although filtering words is a necessary coping mechanism, many times, what informs which words we pay attention to and which ones we ignore are our emotions—with words from people we like or are emotionally attracted/attached to carrying greater weight. 

For example, words from a lover mean the world to us. At the peak of our affection, we live for those words—spending sleepless nights waiting for, listening to, and reading them.

This emotional filtering of words is largely responsible for our lack of discipline in reading God’s word—Bible study/quiet time—because, oftentimes, we feel no emotional attraction/attachment to the Author.

God has told us that His word is life (John 6:63b) and it is what sustains our lives (Deuteronomy 8:3). How, then, can one maintain interest in these words that give life amidst our fluctuating emotions?

Knowing these five truths about God’s word is a good place to start.

1. God’s word imparts knowledge and understanding beyond measure

I have read several books on different topics. And many times, I have been left amazed at the deep insights shared by the different authors.

Despite their ability to amaze, authors only share facts about specific areas of human life that they know about. And, judging by the abundance of human-authored books, with many more to be written, we can accurately conclude that no single person can know all there is to know.

God’s word, on the other hand, is not based on an understanding of a few facts as though His knowledge were limited. God knows everything—from eternity to eternity. Therefore, whatever He has revealed to us through His word has been sieved from a collection of all facts.

If the words of a human author can be so insightful and enlightening, how much more the words of the Author of authors?

2. God’s word is His greatest power

Take a moment and ask yourself: if God did what you want Him to do in your life—heal your body, provide for your needs, etc.—would that be the greatest thing He has ever done? Not at all.

The most vivid display of God’s power is the universe He created, of which, you and I are a small part. And how did God create the universe? With only three words: ”Let there be…” 

As Don Moen says in his song Heal Me Oh Lord, “God and His word are one; they are the same.” If you have God’s word, you have God.

Therefore, do not wander looking for God’s power. In that Bible you always leave at home to go to whoever claims to have God’s power are the words that carry God’s unlimited power ready and eager to work in your life. 

3. Middlemen contaminate God's word 

Would you be comfortable having a middleman between you and your lover so they spend time with your lover on your behalf and only provide you with updates?

Why, then, do you allow other people to hear from God on your behalf and all you do is turn on the radio or television or attend gatherings to listen to what those people think God wants to say to you?

The game Chinese Whispers demonstrates the risk in the transmission of messages from one person to another through a third party—the message gets distorted.

Any sharing of God’s word by a human being contains impurities from the one sharing such as biases, limited perception, etc. Why? Because all human beings are fallen and limited (Romans 3:23).

You have equal access to God’s word. Do not wait to fetch from other people’s containers. Fetch from the source yourself. This will not only ensure that your personal relationship with God flourishes but also make you able to identify any impurities anyone may add to God’s word.

4. God’s word is our strongest weapon against Satan

When it comes to escaping the devil’s snares, the Bible tells us in James 4:7 to “submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Jesus showed us how to do this practically in Matthew chapter 4 verses 1 to 11.

In this famous chapter, Jesus Christ was tempted by Satan, thrice. And each of those times, Jesus Christ did not curse Satan or call fire upon him. Instead, Jesus Christ, being all-knowing and all-powerful, used a weapon He knew would deliver decisive victory over Satan—God’s word.

For each of Satan’s evil suggestions (i.e. temptations), Jesus Christ responded with “It is written...” before proceeding to quote God’s word.

If you too, therefore, desire decisive victory over Satan this year, stop shouting “Fire!” Instead, arm yourself with God’s word by reading and studying it daily. God’s word is the only fire Satan cannot extinguish.

5. God’s word gives your spirit victory over your flesh

Galatians 5:19 to 21 lists deeds it classifies as “acts of the flesh” before warning us that “those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

The acts of the flesh are listed as “sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” 

Every time we eat food, it energises our bodies. And with our bodies’ default settings set to indulge in acts of the flesh (Genesis 8:21), that energy increases the body’s ability to drag us into unholy living.

God’s word, however, has the power to set us on a course of righteousness toward eternal life because it can empower our spirit to overcome the flesh.

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit" - Hebrews 4:12

“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” - Psalms 119:9 

Happy New Year!