in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.
Daniel 9:2 NIV
This verse highlights Daniel’s dedication as a student of Scripture. He was not just passively reading God’s Word but actively engaging with it to understand God’s will and timing. Daniel’s deep commitment to studying the Scriptures allowed him to recognise God’s promise concerning the exile. He realised that the prophesied 70 years of desolation (see Jeremiah 25:11-12 and Jeremiah 29:10) was nearing the end. This illustrates the importance of immersing oneself in God’s Word to discern His plans.
As believers, the Word of God is our foundation and guide. It must be thoroughly studied and meditated upon. The more we consume and digest God’s Word, the more the Holy Spirit can inspire us in times of trouble. Consider the example of Jesus when He was tempted by the devil in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13). Jesus overcame each temptation by quoting the Scripture. This underscores the principle found in Joshua 1:8: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
The Word of God that you study and meditate on is what will shape your thoughts, words, and actions. After John the Baptist baptised Jesus, the Spirit led Him into the wilderness, where He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. During this time, the devil tempted Jesus in three significant ways:
The devil challenged Jesus to turn stones into bread, appealing to His physical hunger after fasting. He said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus replied by quoting Scripture: “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” (Deuteronomy 8:3).
This raises an important question: How well do you know the Word of God? Are you diligently studying it? Can you confidently declare the written word in the face of temptation? As Psalm 119:105 reminds us, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path,” highlighting the importance of God’s Word in guiding and instructing our lives.
In conclusion, understanding the power of studying God’s Word is crucial. Immersing yourself in the Scriptures provides spiritual nourishment, guidance, strength, and wisdom for navigating life’s challenges. Consistent study of God’s Word enables believers to align their lives with His will. Likewise, it helps to resist temptations and grow in faith and obedience. Biblical examples like Daniel and Jesus demonstrate that a deep and committed engagement with Scripture is foundational to spiritual success and a closer relationship with God. Therefore, prioritising the study of God’s Word is essential for anyone seeking to live a faithful and fruitful life in God’s eyes.
