My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.
PROVERBS 4:20–22 NIV
King Solomon was the third king of Israel, the son of David and Bathsheba. Early in his reign, God appeared to him in a dream and told him to ask for anything and He would provide it. Solomon requested an understanding mind so he could govern well and know the difference between right and wrong. The Lord was so pleased with his unselfish request that He made him the wisest man who would ever live and blessed him with great wealth (1 Kings 3:5–12). He reigned forty years and wrote Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and most of the book of Proverbs.
In Proverbs 4:20–22, King Solomon reveals the secret to life and radiant health. In this verse, “health” means “medicine” in the Hebrew. You can find this perfect medicine in the pages of your Bible, the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Through the Holy Spirit, God revealed Himself and His plan to King Solomon and other believers who wrote down His message from their own historical and cultural contexts. They wrote what He inspired them to write, so when you study scripture, you can make it your standard for testing everything else that claims to be true.
His Word is sweet to your taste—sweeter than honey (Psalm 119:97–105). As you savor each word, you’ll discover more than a collection of God-breathed words written on the pages of your Bible. The Word was God and was with God before the world began. He created everything there is. And then the Word became human and lived on earth among us (John 1:1–14). The Word is Jesus, and He meets every human need. God sent Him out to heal you and save you from destruction (Psalm 107:20).
When you read His Word and believe by faith that His promises are true for you personally, His supernatural power can come into your situation and override your natural circumstances. Having faith is a process, and God will never condemn you for not having enough. Faith starts by choosing to agree with His Word, whether or not it lines up with your physical circumstances or experiences (Mark 11:22–24).
Just as you would build up your physical body through exercise, you can build up your faith by feeding your spirit regularly, feasting your eyes daily on His promises, reading aloud the scripture that applies to your situation, and thanking Him from a grateful heart (Hebrews 11:1). In doing so, you are calling things that are not as though they were (Romans 4:17). You begin to see yourself as God sees you, and your faith can make you well (Mark 5:34).
Every minute you spend feasting on the Word is the same as spending time at the feet of your Savior. And every minute you spend in the presence of Jesus brings you one step closer to the heart of the Father and one step closer to His healing touch. Never lose sight of Him. His words are living power and stand the test of time (Isaiah 40:8; Hebrews 4:12). Let His sacred medicine penetrate deep within your heart and bring radiant health to your body!
Lord, forgive me when I wonder if the Bible is still true and if Your Word has the power to heal. I know I don’t always follow Your teaching perfectly and some of it perplexes me. It doesn’t mean Your Word isn’t truth. It simply means we all sin and fall short of Your glorious standard (Romans 3:23). This is no surprise to You. That’s exactly the reason You gave us a Savior. Lord, I’m amazed by a love so great that Your Word became flesh and lived on earth among us. Through Jesus, You pour out Your blessings and Your unfailing love and faithfulness (John 1:16–17). Thank You for sending Your Son to be the perfect teacher, the perfect example, and the perfect sacrifice.
Lord, thank You for Your Word revealed in scripture. Every word is truth. Every word is God-breathed. Your Word stands the test of time. Please help me not to doubt, especially when Your Word conflicts with my circumstances. Your Word is sweet, and I want to taste your goodness and mercy. I desperately want to discover the meaning of Your scripture. When I feast on Your Word, I know I am spending time in the presence of Jesus. Help me never to lose sight of You. May Your Word be a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. Every day, draw me to the scriptures that speak Your truth to me. Draw me to words that comfort me, encourage me, and testify to Your healing power. Let Your Word become medicine, penetrating deep within my heart and bringing life and radiant health to my body.