Psalm 119 - 13 - Mem - The Transformed Mind

"(Mem) Oh, how I love Your instructions!
I think about them all day long.
Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are my constant guide.
Yes, I have more insight than my teachers,
for I am always thinking of Your laws.
I am even wiser than my elders,
for I have kept Your commandments.
I have refused to walk on any evil path,
so that I may remain obedient to Your Word.
I haven't turned away from Your regulations,
for You have taught me well.
How sweet Your words taste to me;
they are sweeter than honey.
Your commandments give me understanding; 
no wonder I hate every false way of life." (Psalm 119: 97-104)  

Dear friend,

Notes from "Mem": the transformed mind

     God's Word is a transforming power in our lives, particularly in our mind. Our mind--our thoughts, our attitudes, our choices, our will--does not naturally choose the holy or the good. We want our own way; we want our desires fulfilled; we want to claim highest importance.
     There are many times (even extended "seasons") in our lives when we do NOT want to follow God. We do NOT want to read His Word, or hear what He has to say. It is during these very times that we can, and must, cling to and meditate on His Word. Just as an athlete trains even when he/she doesn't "feel like it," we need to do the same.
     God's Word is not magical; nor is there a formula for extracting wisdom or holiness from it. But,

"For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

Now, let's look at how the Word of God transforms us:

• When we know His Word, it will be on our minds all day.
• We will be wiser than our enemies.
• His Word will guide our lives.
• It will give us insight that cannot be taught.
• We will have the wisdom of those far older and more experienced than we are.
• We will keep God's commands.
• We will not be distracted and led astray into evil.
• We will not turn away from God and His Word.
• We will love God's Word; it will taste wonderful!
• We will have understanding.
• We will love what is good and hate what is evil.

    God's Word will transform our minds, and by this, our lives. We will never on our own strength  or good intention change ourselves into someone "good". Don't wait for a rush of emotion or "good intention" to draw near to God. Create a discipline of reading and studying His Word, even when you don't feel like it. This is true love. This is true obedience. Hold on, despite the emotions, despite the attitudes, despite the doubts.

• What disciplines in your life do you maintain, even when you don't feel like it? 
• How does creating a discipline of reading/studying God's Word demonstrate great faith?
• Can a Christian struggle with doubt, with rebellion, with desires contrary to God's Word?

Heavenly Father, We  need Your transforming Word in our lives. Yet, we crave everything BUT Your Word at times. Will You help us to create a discipline of reading Your Word, and of praying, even when (and especially when) we don't feel like it? Without You, we cannot.

"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:1-2)