As we embark on a new year, it is helpful to look back and remember God’s faithfulness and give thanks to Him even as we step into all that He has ordained for the year ahead.
Looking back to January 2024, I recall a special dinner with the women of my church. That evening, we looked at the blessed man of Psalm 1, a man who delights in the Law of the Lord. He ponders God’s Word, allowing it to transform his mind and desires. He is likened to a tree planted by streams of water, prospering and yielding fruit in its season—the fruit of God’s Kingdom: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Such a life is filled with hope. This is the life available to us in Christ!
I was reminded that, as we look back with thanksgiving to the Lord, we must also evaluate ourselves honestly. Are we experiencing this blessed life? In what ways have we allowed God’s Word to saturate our lives? Where has the Lord grown us? Where do we see Spirit-filled evidence of fruit? Conversely, in what areas have we stagnated or regressed? Are there places where we have allowed the flesh, rather than the Word, to guide our decisions and actions? These areas may highlight our deepest needs as we enter a new year of prayer.
With this in mind, I am compelled to begin the year reminded of the goodness of God’s Word in addressing our needs. My 2025 reading plan started with Psalm 19 on Day 1.
You will likely recognize this Psalm of David by its opening verse,
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1)
As the Psalm continues, the opening verses (1-4a) reveal how Creation testifies to God’s glory. Verses 4b-6 move to imagery of the sun as a faithful bridegroom (pointing us to Christ) who has comprehensive influence and from whom, nothing is hidden.
But, then, the Psalmist then shifts his focus to the Word of God,
“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11
Before reading further, take a moment to read these verses a few times. Circle the descriptions of God’s Word and reflect on how His Word promises to bring life to your days.
In this short Psalm, David has first highlighted God’s power and creativity in Creation, but in verses 7–11, we see that God’s love and grace are revealed through His Word.”
It is in His Word that:
- We see His faithfulness.
- We learn that He initiates and pursues a relationship with us.
- We most clearly see our brokenness and experience the Spirit’s conviction.
Consider the descriptions given of His Word. It is perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, eternal, true, and righteous!
And look at the blessings it brings: revival for the soul, wisdom, joy, clear vision, and necessary warnings!
No wonder David tells us to desire God’s Word above even the finest treasure, gold! Digging into God’s Word is, indeed, like a treasure hunt. And, even better, it is a treasure hunt with a guaranteed reward, provided we approach it humbly, eager to learn and obey under the Spirit’s guidance.
My encouragement as we begin the year is to let God’s Word saturate our lives! We don’t want to miss out on this precious gift! Here are some practical ways to do so:
- Make a plan to be in the Word of God. Choose a reading plan and find someone who will read the same plan with you.
- Discuss what you’re reading with a friend. Share insights from your reading. How is the Lord speaking to you? What has He shown you about Himself and His ways? Where has He convicted you? How does what you are learning help you to love God and others better?
- Plan to pray as you read. Bible reading and prayer go hand in hand and consistency is more likely if you make a plan for what this looks like. Choose Scriptures you can pray or check out our PRAYER JOURNALS for a way to organize your prayers.
- Show up prepared to learn on Sunday mornings. It’s so important to sit under the faithful preaching of God’s word. If you don’t attend a faithful church, use a church finder to locate one near you. You can email me and I will send you a list of faithful church finders.
- Engage with others. Does your church offer a women’s study? Plan to be there! If they don’t, consider organizing a group of friends (old or new) and walk through a study together.
- Reach out for support. If any of this (or life itself) feels overwhelming, if you need help or simply some encouragement, connect with a sister in Christ.
In closing, let us approach this new year with the prayer expressed in the closing words of Psalm 19:
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
May these words reflect the desires of our hearts as we immerse ourselves in God’s Word. May we grow to know the Lord more truly and more deeply, and may our actions, words, and thoughts become ever more pleasing to Him as we grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ Jesus.
