The Book of Ephesians talks about the armor of God. It lists the breastplate, shield, helmet, and boots, along with the only offensive item, the “Sword of the Spirit.” Since we are at war with spiritual forces, not physical, the sword is also spiritual. God’s Word—the Bible—is described as “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). Jesus used this weapon when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness. To each of Satan’s efforts to lead Him into sin, Jesus replied, “It is written.” He would then quote from the Bible to ward off the temptations of Satan. It was like a sword fight. The Devil would parry using the scriptures but perverting their intended meaning, and Jesus would answer with a more powerful stroke by correcting Satan’s attempt to pervert the passages he quoted. God’s Word, the Bible, is God’s truth. That’s why it is so powerful and effective in our daily battles. Getting it right, however, takes some focus and study. Sometimes our desire to see it one way might lead us into trouble. I’ve always argued that we need to give it our prime time. Joshua 1:8 tells us to do that as well. It takes time, effort, and focused attention. Joshua 1:8 says, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
I’ve had interesting discussions with people who argue that they like to do their devotions in the evenings rather than in the mornings. I’ve always been a morning person. I’ve always argued that the best time to pick up your sword is in the early mornings when you are going out to do battle. You don’t put your armor on and pick up your sword when you’re going to bed. However, in the end, the important thing is that we feed ourselves on God’s Word. It is from God’s Word that we get the nourishment to fight the fight, whether we feed in the morning or at night. As a matter of fact, Joshua instructs his readers to do it both day and night. When he says not to let it “depart” from your mouth, he means you shouldn’t stop talking about it.
God’s promise of being prosperous and successful is not a promise of wealth and fame. It’s a promise of a healthy, happy, and satisfying life. The value of spending time alone with God meditating on His word cannot be over-emphasized. “It’s more than a spiritual exercise to be checked off as you move through your schedule for the day. It’s a vital part of your growing relationship with Jesus Christ. In Eastern forms of meditation, we’re encouraged to empty our minds. The biblical idea is different. “Meditation means ‘the act of focusing one’s thoughts: to ponder, think on, muse.’ Meditation consists of reflective thinking or contemplation, usually on a specific subject, to discern its meaning or significance or a plan of action. Some synonyms would be contemplation, reflection, rumination, deep thinking, or remembering in the sense of keeping or calling something to mind for the purpose of consideration, reflection, or meditation.” The Psalmist says a lot about this. Psalm 63:6 says, “When I remember Thee on my bed, I meditate on Thee in the night watches.” Psalm 143:5 says, “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Thy doings; I muse on the work of Thy hands.”[1] David sings, in Psalm 119, about the beauty of God’s Word. He says, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.” Lift it, and you will see where you’re going. Hold it low, and you’ll avoid things that make you stumble.
[1] Keithley, Hampton. n.d. Hampton Keithly Studies from Bible.org.