"When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests." Deuteronomy 17:18 (NLT)
It was one of those mornings when God's work in my heart and life was not very evident to those I love. Somehow, our morning routine had been knocked off schedule.
My response? To fuss at everyone.
My mood plummeted from bad to worse. After searching frantically for missing shoes, throwing book bags and lunches in the car, feverishly buckling children in car seats and slamming every door I could get my hands on, I zoomed off down the road.
Once settled and on our way, my anger turned to remorse. How had I lost so much patience, love and trust so quickly? As conviction filled my spirit, prayer filled my lips. I'd missed a few days of my usual morning time reading Scripture, and it showed in my actions. My soul craved the Word of God to renew, refine and redirect me.
For thousands of years, people have needed God's Word to help guide them. In today's key verse, we read some of the directives given to the kings of Israel. God knew any leader for His people would need His instructions. That's why the Lord told them, "When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests" (Deuteronomy 17:18). It goes on to say: "He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives" (Deuteronomy 17:19a, NLT).
Surely if the kings of Israel needed to keep a copy of God's Word near them to read daily, we do too! God's Word teaches, rebukes, corrects, trains in righteousness and equips (2 Timothy 3:16-17). So on mornings when we're in the midst of frenzied fussing, it helps tame our tempers and settle our souls.
That morning, through tears, I glanced over to the passenger side seat for my Bible that I always kept there. I'd hoped to read it in the school parking lot once my kids were dropped off. Much to my dismay, I'd forgotten to grab it during the morning madness. My soul deflated fully. I needed God's Word.
I decided to make it a point to never again to be without a copy of the Bible nearby. Just as it was necessary for the kings to have a copy of the Book of Instruction beside them, it's necessary for you and me to have the Bible near to guard and guide us throughout the day.
I've also learned it really isn't enough to have my Bible nearby. I need to get into it, study it and really connect it with my life.
At Proverbs 31 Ministries, we know the difference God's Word makes. And we want to help you dig in deeper with our free First 5 mobile app, launching this summer. With God's vision and your help, Proverbs 31 Ministries is striving to eradicate Biblical poverty. And we want to start by developing this First 5 app to:
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