Have you ever noticed that the more time you spend with someone, the more you adopt their habits? It’s not that you’re trying to copy them, it’s just that the way they speak, the things they do, even their perspective just somehow seeps into your actions, your way of thinking, and how you talk.
Well, the same thing happens when we delve into Scripture. More than a book or words printed on a page, the Bible is unlike any other manuscript that has ever been, or ever will be, printed. That’s a bold claim, but it’s easily verifiable when reflecting on the fact that Jesus is the Word that became flesh. And we’re promised that even if Heaven and Earth pass away—which it will (Rev. 21:1)—that the Word will continue to stand. (Matthew 24:35)
“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, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12
The Bible is not just a book and the verses it contains are not mere words. Instead this book of instruction is filled with power-laden solutions to the most complex of problems. Scripture remains the best cleaning agent for the soul, particularly when the situations of life leave us dodging the filth and panic the world throws at us to try and hinder our growth.
The power we want to access and the change we seek doesn’t happen from flipping through a few pages, taking note of typography and headings, and highlighting a few passages. Adopting God’s nature is the result of delving into Scripture and meditating upon the Word so we can stand confidently like Jesus did, even in the face of resistance.
“Then Jesus answered and said to them,’Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.'”
John 5:19
Everything Jesus said or did reflected the nature of His Father. Every act of healing, multiplication, provision, correction, and resurrection was a God-sanctioned act that brought Heaven and God’s nature to Earth. However, Jesus often encountered opposition from those who lacked compassion because they did not personally know God’s character or perspective.
The more time we spend with our Father in the Word, the more our actions, words, responses, expectations, and outlook begin to look like His.
For example, years ago I noticed my best friend had begun the habit of finishing her sentences with the word, “Abu.” I thought her new habit was strange, but I didn’t say anything. Every time there was something she didn’t like she would say, “Abu.” Now I wasn’t sure what had caused her to start referencing Aladdin’s best friend when something annoyed her, but I shrugged it off. Then one day something happened that didn’t sit well with me and, per my usual, I said, “Oh, boo!”
It suddenly struck me that a habit I didn’t even think about, a response that was just part of my subconscious vocabulary, became more apparent to me because it was coming out of someone else’s mouth, albeit sans my American accent. That’s when I realized that we’d spent so much time around each other that my phrases had started coming out of her mouth.
What seemed strange to me was just really a reflection of what I often said without even thinking about it. What was my instinctive response was now also hers.
The Bible refers to the Word of God as a mirror that allows us to see things correctly. Our perspective, outlook, expectations, and actions shift as we meditate upon Truth because we are able to see thing clearly in light of the Word. The more time we spend with God, the more we take on our Father’s attributes. We align with what is true and right. The Word washes us, shoring up those places that have been battered by the lies of the enemy. Through the power of the Word, we are empowered to live the way we were created to—free from fear and worry, far from anxiety, confident in a position of righteousness and holiness before our Father.
Instead of being hindered and living below the calling the Lord has designed for us to fulfill, we are able to operate in faith, full of hope, completely undaunted in the face of seeming impossibilities and the whispers of lies.
Commands to, “fear not,” and to “be anxious for nothing” are no longer an impossibility, but become our daily pathway to enjoying peace.
I’ve heard it said that if you want to know where your life is headed that you can simply look at the lives of the people you spend the most time with and you’ll see where you’ll be sooner rather than later.
As we spend time with the One who created us and the One who intercedes for us, the Word’s power seeps into every part of our lives and our very being, bringing about transformation for His glory.
Not only are we strengthened personally, but we can be sent to those around us so they too can encounter the power, hope, and restoration of the Living God who is calling to them.
Like Jesus we are able to carry out a Heavenly mission in the everyday. He encountered opposition, threats, embarrassment, and ultimately faced death without cowering to fear and anxiety.
“…because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”
1 John 4:17–18
As confident as Jesus was during His time on earth (and is right now) is as confident as we can be. We can have the exact same level of confidence in our Heavenly Father as Jesus had. But for that to happen, we must know Him. It’s not enough for us to know what others think about Him or what has been said about Him. We have to know Him personally and intimately. Fortunately, He has made that possible through His Son, His Spirit, and Scripture. And through Jesus, we see the Father’s compassionate invitation to come and know Him.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
Pursue Him in the Word today. He is a good Father who makes Himself available. Nothing is too big. Nothing is too small. His arm is always outstretched, offering compassion, solutions, peace, power, and salvation.
He removes every weight, cleans every stain, and He is still the lifter of your head.
Delve into the Word and choose confidence today. Trade every lying whisper of fear and its new favorite impending problem for His peace and security. He has made His goodness available to you today and it’s all yours for the taking.
Until we see Him,
Fia