If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17
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Go to the source! Discover what the Bible says about …
These pages are designed to aid study or investigation for Christian discipleship through individual Bible study, Cell groups, Home groups, or meeting one to one. The questions could be used alone allowing each person to use their own Bible.
Introduction
God’s words speak to our heart, from His heart. They are words that tell us He loves us, words that affirm our place with Him. Since they show us His heart, they encourage us to share our hearts with Him, and indeed one another.
Bible Zone
- Psalms express heart - Highs and lows of seeking God expressed in Psalms.
- Impact of Word - God uses the Bible to impact our lives.
- Law and Ways - God and His ways, this is another way of saying God’s law.
- Value God’s Word - The Psalmist shares how much he values God’s word.
God speaks to our hearts. He lifts us and encourages us to be with Him and share His love forever. Though this is His desire, it is not necessarily our immediate experience. As Jesus experienced lows and highs, so for us life is full of ups and downs.
Look at two Psalms or poems in the Bible that express different places of the heart -
- What is the state of the heart of the writer in each?
- What is the writer’s attitude to God in the midst of this time?
Psalm 45:1 Beautiful words stir my heart. I will recite a lovely poem about the king, for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet.
Psalm 42:1 As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. 2 I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? 3 Day and night I have only tears for food, while my enemies continually taunt me, saying, "Where is this God of yours?"
Download a pdf file meditation on a chapter of Song of Songs, to see God’s heart coming out.
The Bible is far more than a series of books, some being historical accounts, others sets of prophetic writings, others poetry. The Bible is God’s Word, and His words are words of life. As we meet with God through living His word, His life works in us.
Let us look at two passages. These are both from Psalm 119. This Psalm is broken up into 8 verse sections, each with a different theme. The first section we look at is Psalm 119:9-16 Start with some questions -
- How does the writer value God’s word?
- What does the writer commit to do for God?
- What is the writers attitude to God and His word?
Psalm 119:9-16
9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.
10 I have tried hard to find you— don't let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.
In Psalms the two phrases of a verse say the same thing from two different angles. Note v15 above how God’s commandments are linked to His ways. People are confused that there can be passion for laws. Usually laws send us to sleep. God however does not distinguish between his law: the way we should live, and His ways: His, way of life. One reason we have difficulty with laws is that they say ‘No!’ God’s way however is positive, and it is life giving.
Now look at Psalm 119 at vs 32-40
- What is the writer asking the Lord to do for him?
- What does the writer value?
- How is the writer’s heart affected by God and His word?
33 Teach me your decrees, O LORD; I will keep them to the end.
34 Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.
35 Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.
36 Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money!
37 Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.*
38 Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you.
39 Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good.
40 I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.
The writer’s attitude to God is not an accident. He is someone who has sought after God through God’s word and that has effected His heart. He has prayed to God to work on his heart. The Lord has done so, and we can see the consequences.
WORDS FOR THE HEART
