246 Abiding in Joy: The Joy of the Word
In John 15, Jesus tells us that if we hope to have lives of fruitfulness and joy, we must abide in Him. We must remain intimately connected with Him at the soul level. The stronger the connection, the better the fruit and the greater the joy.
In this series, we’re exploring ways to build a strong connection with Jesus. The analogy of a grapevine helps us identify some of those practices. Today, we are considering the importance of nutrition. Just as a grapevine needs good soil from which to draw nutrients in order to produce an abundant harvest, so we need to put our roots down deep into the soil of God’s Word.
Psalm 1 paints a picture of a tree planted by streams of water that bears abundant fruit. Then the psalmist draws the parallel for us. We, too, will bear good fruit if we are well-nourished. And that nourishing is found by meditating on the law of the Lord – that is, the Word of God.
What does it mean to “meditate” on God’s Word? The Hebrew word used in the Old Testament for meditate is the word “hagah.” Literally, it means “to growl.” The picture is that of an animal gnawing on a bone. Chewing on it. Savoring it. Digesting it.
This is what we’re to do with Scriptures. Take it in. Chew on it. Make it part of you.
How might that happen? How might we move from merely reading the Word to truly eating up and digesting the Word?
Here are a series of questions that might get you moving in that direction. Call them “Meditation Questions.” As you read the Bible, ask yourself these questions. You may want to get a notebook and write down your answers.
What got my attention? What stood out to you?
What did I learn about God? It may be something new, or it may be something old that strikes you in a fresh way.
What did I learn about myself? This takes it from the theoretical to the personal.
What am I going to do about it? It’s not enough to just “hear the Word.” We must be “doers” as well. What is a practical, tangible step you can take to make this Word part of your life?
Text: John 15:1-11
Originally recorded on July 23, 2017, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN