“Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love, and for His wonderful deeds for mankind, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” (Psalm 107:8-9 NIV)
Last night’s discipleship class focused on the belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14) and it was tough to keep it under an hour. I could teach on the authority and essentiality of God’s word for weeks on end. I fully believe in the first fundamental truth of the Assemblies of God: the scriptures, both Old and New Testament, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct.
God’s Word is the bedrock of our faith. It is imperative that the believer engage in scripture in a daily and systematic way. We familiarize ourselves with God’s Word so that we are fully equipped to test the teaching others but also for our own personal growth benefit. If our only spiritual feeding happens on Sunday mornings, we will wind up severely malnourished. We must learn to feed ourselves a regular regimen of life-sustaining scripture.
When we begin the discipline of daily devotions, amazing things happen. The Spirit of God attends to our souls as we study His word. We are supernaturally prepared for the days and weeks and years ahead because God is sovereign. He knows just what to deposit today to yield the interest that tomorrow will require. He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. We dig deep wells and faithfully forage, but He waters and feeds.
I was reminded of this again last night, mid-message. Of course the armor of God scripture is familiar, but one little phrase caught my attention:
“And after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13 NIV)
At least seven years ago, a spiritual father spoke these words over me. He said this was the scripture he sees playing out in my story. He spoke of my strength and discipline; “You’ll do everything and remain standing.” I was a little undone by his comments. I don’t see myself as strong or steady. But I tucked them away in my heart and last night, after years of standing (sometimes belly crawling back up to standing) this verse resurfaced and I see what he saw back then.
Proper spiritual nutrition affords us the strength to stand
through the most challenging life circumstances.
The belt of truth reinforces our core. A regular daily rhythm of relationship with God Almighty through His Word and His Spirit will solidify our center like nothing else can. He will fill us. He will meet our need, no matter the hardship, if we’ll only show up and look up.
“So thank God for His marvelous love, for His miracle mercy to the children He loves. He poured great draughts of water down parched throats: the starved and hungry got plenty to eat.” (Psalm 107:8-9 MSG)
Thank You, Lord, for Your rescue and Your continual provision. You alone satisfy our thirst and fill our emptiness. Thank You for spiritual food that over and over meets our need. Please develop our discipline as we learn to heed and treasure Your Word. Amen.