Daily devotional, July 05, 2024 Scroll, watch, subscribe
"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."
Colossians 3:16
“Scroll – watch – subscribe” does the process sound familiar? That is how we get influenced in the digital world. We scroll our feed, find something interesting, we watch or read that interesting thing, and then before we know it we have followed or subscribed to that account. Once we regularly follow that account, the ideas it conveys start influencing us and would later on affect our way of thinking, what we like and dislike, what we aim for, as well as our pursuits.
And since most of the influences around us, be it in real life or online, have a way of creeping into us, we have to be careful. Not everything out there promotes biblical values, and could just lead us into the wrong path. The Apostle St. Paul therefore cautions us:
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
So how then will we know God’s perfect will in our lives, and what is pleasing to Him? Well, the best way is for us to get to God know God more. And what better way to know Him than spend time with Him praying and reading and reflecting on His words.
"But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8
When Moses died, his assistant Joshua had been tasked by the Lord to lead the Israelites in the last leg of their journey towards the Promised Land. Joshua, like any other successor, was overwhelmed, even fearful of what could possibly happened. But the Lord strengthened and assured Him by saying:
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
Joshua 1:8
So how do we meditate on God’s word? Well, we fill our minds with it. We will read His word regularly and reflect on it. Find out its context, what it means in our lives, and how do we get to apply it in our current situation. We take notes on what we need to remember, and even try to memorize those that mean a lot to us. And in our daily reading, we also ask ourselves, “why did God choose this specific passage for me to read today?”
We can also listen to preachings and praise music, as it will help us memorize, understand, and remember God’s words. When we fill our days with these instead of mindless scrolling over social media pages that promote worldly pursuits, hate, covetousness, idolatry, and ungodly values, we will live better, and more meaningful lives.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."
Matthew 7:24
God’s words can both comfort us and guide us to the right path. We get to know His will and when we follow it we do not only get to please Him, we also get to live a fruitful and worthwhile existence. A life where we will have peace that transcends difficult circumstances that are inevitable in our earthly life.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14:27
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Psalm 1 and Joshua 1:1-9 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Who influences you? Do you meditate on God’s word?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your words that give me life. Thank you that in them I can find comfort, peace and guidance. Allow me to seek you every single day of my life, and meditate on your works and promises, Amen.
