“Moreover, He said to me, “Son of man, take into your heart all My words which I will speak to you and listen closely.” (Ezekiel 3:10 NAS95)
I can’t remember exactly when God highlighted this verse for me. I do know it happened at one of our retreats. “Take into your heart all My Words…listen closely.” Scripture.
I know that the appeal of the verse provoked a question, “how closely do I listen to God’s words, God’s word?
Well before this, God had been hinting for me to slow down reading the Bible. I normally read for information, content, to master the Bible. Through the Bible in a year. Yet, God wanted me to handle the Scripture differently. As my contemplation of what God wanted continued in the months to come, I realized, He wanted the text to master me, for it to dwell inside, and transform my life and the way I see.
None of this happened quickly, but at some point, I chose to take small bits of Scripture in my times with God and read those bits slowly and repeatedly. Slowly, out loud, so I could hear, process, as well as see the text. At the same time, I think a message by Dallas Willard challenged me to read the Gospels like this. So, I did. I did it daily. I noticed the passages dwelling in me. Sometimes portions in a word-for-word way. Sometimes a memorable paraphrase. Sometimes the Word gripped me so much I memorized it.
Some of those words lingered for a day. Some for days. Others for much longer. Much longer. Conversations with God about life evolved out of this.
I noticed God shaping understanding and forming new ways of seeing and living that resulted from applying what I gleaned. I couldn’t believe the results. The Word touched more deeply my experience of life, which in turn gave me different insight, and a different conversation with God.
I wish I would have started out where Ezekiel did in the verse cited at the beginning. At the same time, I am glad for the way God approached me, and led. I didn’t understand His request for me to slow down, but in doing so, He enriched my relationship with Him.
Conversation shifted from my requests in prayer to an ongoing awareness of His withness with me and the words from His Word leading to transformation within me. New life. Resurrection!
For Reflection:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 NAS95)
- How often to echoes from God’s word arise in your life during the day?
- What spiritual disciplines help the Word dwell in you and ruminate? How often do you practice them?
