Many of us have a head knowledge of what the Bible says concerning matters of life, but if we are to be truly revived and on fire for the Lord we must have an experiential knowledge of God’s Word. We must take God’s Word and make it a living part of our being. Of course, God’s Word gives us the prescription for doing just that. Proverbs 2:1-5 tell us, 1 “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.”
First of all, we must read (verse 1a). If we are willing to receive His Word and to consistently read His Word we are well on our way to internalizing the Word of God and making it real in our lives.
Next, we must memorize His Word (verse 1b). He expects us to hide the things we have read in our hearts. Memorizing portions of the Bible will keep us from sin. We are told in Psalm 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Memorizing Scripture will also give us strength in times of need.
Then we must hear the Word of God – with our heart (verse 2a). Wisdom comes from hearing what God says, and from applying that which we have heard. Verse 4 tells us we must then study the Word. The truth of the Scriptures must be searched for, but just like silver, it is well worth the effort. II Timothy 2:15 tells us that studying the Scriptures brings approval, a lack of shame, and true knowledge–“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Back in verse 2b, we see that meditation is an essential part of taking in the Word of God. Joshua 1:8 mentions that meditation on the Word of God is the key to spiritual prosperity and success if meditation on the Word is made a constant and daily habit.
Finally, in verse 3, we see the importance of prayer in relation to internalizing God’s truth. As we cry after knowledge and lift up our voices for understanding, God will be faithful to grant us our request. Verse 5 promises that after we read, memorize, hear, and pray, “Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” May this be our prayer and our desire as we live in these last days.
Knees for the Nations 