I had no problem discerning which verse of scripture to share with you this month, as Colossians 3:16 inspired the writing of my next book which is published on 18th October! Click the button at the end of this post if you would like to find out more.
Books aside, Paul offers a beautiful instruction to dwell with this month; one which prompts some questions:
Do I dip, dash, delve or dwell in God’s living word?
Why is it important to dwell?
And how might I do this?
There’s a time for dipping and dashing – a need to ‘snack’ to meet a particular need.
There’s also a time to delve – to read at length and study scripture to increase our knowledge about God.
But to deepen our relationship with God, it definitely helps to ‘dwell’ – for His words are living and active, transforming and guiding, reassuring and releasing. But as one of the loveliest ladies in my life said to me recently, “I’ve learned over the years that it’s best to not read too much at a time.” How right she is when our desire as we approach scripture is to meet with its Author and find ourselves at home with Him as His word makes a home in us.
So how do we do this?
Although I read lengthier passages of scripture most days, for 30+ years I have also been dwelling with just one (or occasionally a few) verse(s) of scripture for a week, or more, at a time. It transforms my attitudes, responses, perspective and priorities. It influences how I think (& therefore feel) about myself and others. It shapes and disciplines my life to become increasingly more like Jesus. It aligns my life to the beat of God’s heart for lost souls and the poor, oppressed and persecuted. And it infuses my life with peace and presence – God’s presence breathing His living words in and through me.
As you prayerfully reflect on Colossians 3:16, what verse comes to mind to ‘dwell richly’ on this month?
If you would value a little help with this, then do take a look at my book here.