Spiritual Fuel

Published 1/9/20

Read Psalm 145:14-20

"The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. The Lord preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy."

Reflect

What does it mean to call on the Lord in truth?

Just as your body needs to be nourished with good food, your spiritual life needs fuel. Through His Word, Jesus can reveal Himself to you, speak to you, guide you, and encourage you. John is a terrific book of the Bible to begin delving into because it contains some of the most basic yet profound truths about Jesus Christ. Read the book of John if you've never read the Bible or are a new believer.

And even if you've read the whole Bible before, let me encourage you to read this marvelous book of the New Testament, not so much for the purpose of getting through a certain number of chapters in the week or verses in a sitting, but to "behold the Lord" as Madame Guyon, a Christian from sixteenth-century France, described. As you read, pause instead of rushing ahead to the next verse. Sit in the Lord's presence, "beholding him," and make use of the Scripture to quiet your mind.

The way to do this is really quite simple. First, read a passage of Scripture. Once you sense the Lord's presence, the content of what you have read is no longer important. The Scripture has served its purpose; it has quieted your mind; it has brought you to Him. . . . The Lord's chief desire is to reveal himself to you and, in order for him to do that, he gives you abundant grace. The Lord gives you the experience of enjoying his presence. He touches you, and his touch is so delightful that, more than ever, you are drawn inwardly to him.

As you do this, you will not only discover wonderful truths in His Word, but you will discover anew Jesus Christ, the Living Word.

Pray

Lord, reveal Yourself to me. I want to enjoy Your presence and grow closer to You. Amen.