When God's Word Becomes a Way of Life

Scripture:

“But [Jesus] said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28)

Reading:

C, J, K. Three letters that arrest my attention as I read my Bible. These are my children’s initials marking the margins like neon signs. Colossians 1:9-14 consistently grabs my attention for this reason. It is a passage I marked as a prayer for them nearly 20 years ago.

I hope that one day these marks will remind them of God’s faithfulness and the power of prayer. Until then, they remind me to pray these promises over their lives.

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding…” (Col. 1:9)

Just like Paul did, we can ask that others and ourselves be led by the full knowledge and understanding of God’s will. We need this wisdom, which comes from reading the Word with hearts intentionally open to the Spirit’s guidance.

We can also ask to increasingly love Scripture. As we submit to God, and lean not on our own understanding, the Holy Spirit teaches us (Proverbs 3:5, John 14:26, 16:13). And He will delight in us as we live it out!

Paul continues, “…so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…” (Col. 1:10)

Reading the Word with the intent to obey is how we truly grow in God.

With this intention, your choices will bear the Lord’s will, evidence of the Spirit at work in and through your life (Psalm 1:3, Galatians 5:22-23, John 15:5,14). This is the life that God rewards with Himself (Jeremiah 9:23-24, John 17:3)!

Those neon initials in my Bible remind me to pray and obey. In the same way, when you read Scripture and act on it, God lights the path before you. Trust the guidance of His Word. As you do, you will experience the joy of knowing God more deeply than ever before.

He is a good, good Father.

Your Turn:

1. Pray to be “filled with the knowledge of God’s will.” As you open Scripture, pause for a moment. What are you hoping to find? Your response matters as your intention shapes how the Word impacts your life. Remember, the purpose of God’s Word is to direct your actions, not simply to be read.

2. Colossians 1:10 connects knowing God with “walking in a manner worthy of the Lord.” Is there an area of life where the Lord may be inviting you to align your walk more closely with what you already know?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, my heart is full of gratitude for what You have already done. Holy Spirit, create a hunger in me for Your Word and a longing to walk in Your ways. Father, I want to live a life that delights You. I want to know You! Amen.