Pressure Point Week 3: Wednesday

But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. James 1:25

We all need a reminder at times to slow down. While deadlines, appointments, and expectations tempt us to rush from deadline to deadline and appointment to appointment, we need to remember to slow down and focus on what is happening right in front of us. One of these times we need a reminder is when we read Scripture. We need to take time to really focus on what God is teaching us as we open His word.

When we rush through our Scripture reading, we miss so many things. We cannot completely focus on what we are reading and miss what God may be trying to tell us when we rush through our Scripture reading. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that James calls us in James 1 to "look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free" (verse 25). What happens when we look at something carefully? We notice detail. We have a better understanding. We can remember it better far after we have looked at it. This is particularly true with Scripture. We must spend time carefully studying Scripture, unhurried and unrushed. As we carefully examine Scripture, we can better grasp and hear what God is teaching us through His word.

The writer of Psalms 1 understood the importance of meditating on Scripture. He wrote, "Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night" (verses 1-2). When we focus on Scripture and meditate on it, we find joy. Psalms 1 continues by saying that those who meditate on Scripture are "like trees along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do" (verse 3). Meditating on Scripture makes us stronger, more secure, and grow.

One of the best things we can do with our lives is diving into Scripture slowly and carefully to look carefully into Scripture. May we open God's word often, slowly, and deliberately. May we experience the peace and security of being firmly rooted and planted in God's word.

Moving toward action

God has been unbelievably kind to each one of us. Take some time to remember His kindness. Pull out your journal or notebook and write about the kindness He has specifically shown you. How has God been kind to you in your life? As you remember, practice gratitude. Thank Him specifically for the kindness He has shown you throughout your life.

Going Deeper

Psalm 1:1-6