Stowaways would sneak aboard ships and hide with the cargo below so they could get to their destination free of charge. If they were caught, the captain might clap them in irons, force them to labor for their fare or leave them at the nearest port. Doesn’t sound to me like it was worth the risk! But there is a type of stowing away that is well worth the risk.
Many people tell me that they don’t read their Bibles because they get too confused and don’t understand what they’re reading. But these are just excuses. God’s Word is plain and simple if you truly apply yourself to read it regularly and if you pray for wisdom and understanding before you read.
Psalm 19 is very clear about how God promises to help us understand His Word; to help stow it in our hearts.
I used to skip most of the Old Testament because it was boring to me. I didn’t see what it had to do with my life today. Boy, I couldn’t have been more wrong! Ever since I asked God to reveal His Word to me, I have read through the entire Bible—Old and New Testaments—eleven times. And I still find new treasures each time I read.
Verses 7–9: The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
God will open up His Word to us and give us the wisdom needed to understand it. He will enlighten us.
Verse 11: By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Once we understand what we’ve read, we no longer have an excuse to be ignorant. We have only two choices: we can either ignore His Word or heed it. If we choose to ignore it, we will live unproductive lives unpleasing to God. But if we choose to heed His Words, one day we will claim our reward.
God will reveal Himself to us if we ask Him to. Before you pick up your Bible, pray for God to open up your eyes and heart to what He wants you to see. As you read, ponder each passage and try to put yourself in each situation. Personalize it to fit your life. I guarantee you will learn something new each time you read. Stow away His Word in your heart, and I guarantee you will get to your glorious destination free of charge.
Verse 14: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Let this be our daily prayer.
Debbie Mitchell