Practice

I learned the value of good note taking in high school and college. On nights leading up to a test, I could copy my notes and during the test, I was able to close my eyes and see the answers I needed in my mind.

Since writing things down helps me to remember them, I always try to write down names as soon as I meet someone new and I’ve always made a habit of copying scripture in my Bible journal. These learned disciplines were never forced on me by anyone other than myself. Seeing the value in the practice propels me.

Kings in the Old Testament were commanded to copy the entire law and keep it with them to read daily so they would obey God and rule the people fairly.

“When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees. This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel.”

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 NLT

https://www.bible.com/116/deu.17.18-20.nlt

Writing works well for me but my children did not inherit my particular style of learning. My eldest independently studies a subject so thoroughly that he can easily communicate it to anyone. My daughter can listen to anything read aloud and process it so immediately that she can quote it back to you verbatim. My younger son must be in constant motion to absorb information. When we homeschooled his last two years of high school, he was most receptive while tying flies or casting a rod and reel.

We are fortunate to have so many ways to receive the Word of God in our generation! Listening to the Bible from an app like YouVersion Bible, using interactive online study tools, or worshiping via YouTube or Facebook Live are readily available resources to anyone with a smartphone or tablet, however the most important thing is to interact with God’s Word every single day!

“Give me a helping hand, for I have chosen to follow your commandments.”

Psalms 119:173 NLT

https://www.bible.com/116/psa.119.173.nlt

Jesus promises to lend a helping hand by teaching me and helping me to remember His Word!

“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”

John 14:26 NLT

https://www.bible.com/116/jhn.14.26.nlt

In His final prayer for His followers found in John 17, Jesus prayed, “I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.

Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.”

John 17:14, 17-18 NLT

https://www.bible.com/116/jhn.17.14,17-18.nlt

There is purpose in the practice of meditating on God’s Word beyond my own edification. He is sending me and you into the world as His representatives, His messengers to share the Good News of salvation with everyone! (Mark 16:15) In order for anyone to be receptive, you and I will need some of the very same attributes the kings were encouraged to pursue- regular reading that will prevent us from becoming proud and acting as if we are above our fellow citizens. It will also prevent us from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. Practice makes perfect!