Quiet Time Thoughts: WHY Spend Time with Jesus? (Part 2)

If you missed Part 1, you can read that HERE.

The second passage that I love is also in the Psalms, from Psalm 19:

7  The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8  The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9  The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the Lord are sure
and altogether righteous.
10  They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11  By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
(~from Psalm 19: 7-11)

As I read this passage, I am reminded afresh of all the benefits there are to being in God's word.  His law is perfect, and it will revive my soul (v 7).  His statues are trustworthy, and will give me wisdom (v 7).  His precepts are right, and will bring joy to my heart (v 8).  His commands will give light to my eyes (v 8).  His words are sure and righteous, they are precious.  Through God's word I am warned (v 11), and there is great reward for me when I keep His laws (v 11).

I am challenged by this thought: If I really believe the truths stated in those verses (and I do!) then: am I living as if they are true?  If those are really the benefits I am promised-- a revived soul, wisdom, joy, light, guidance and reward-- (!)--  um, hello!  I need those things; every single day I need those things-- than what am I doing with my attention directed elsewhere?  

Too often I get distracted by the stuff of this world.  I live as if I can find those benefits elsewhere-- that my soul can be revived while I relax in the evening watching a show, or when Mark has a day off.  I live like wisdom can be found in this article or that blog post or the book sitting on my shelf.  I live like joy can be found through new clothes or new curriculum or the praise of others.

That's all a big fat lie.

Those benefits are found in God.

Period.

And those gifts are mine for the taking: His words are right before me in the pages of my Bible. I want to soak them up.  I want to read this truth.  I want to study it, know it, meditate on it, memorize it, sing it, and talk about it.  My prayer is that I will be wholeheartedly devoted to Him; that I would have an undivided heart.  I want to use my time wisely and give my attention to the things that are honoring to Him.