It’s good to go back and revisit books which have spoken to our souls. The notes in the margin tell me I have read it at least three times now. Yet the words fell on my heart as if I had never seen them before:
“Be thou more calm of spirit, and gird thyself for greater endurance.”
(from The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, page 120)
The word ”˜gird’ had my attention as we don’t use it very often, if at all, today. The word means “to fasten something tightly with a belt or a band” (as in “gird your loins”), or it can mean “to surround or encircle” (dictionary.com).
As we fervently gird ourselves with God’s Word,
we are better able to endure life’s circumstances.
“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13, NKJV)
To think clearly, we are going to need to gird our minds ”“ fasten His Word tightly to our hearts; surrounding or encircling our minds with Scripture.
Slightly further in the same devotional are these words:
“O Lord, blessed be Thy word, sweeter to my mouth than honey and the honeycomb. What should I do in my so great tribulations and anxieties, unless Thou didst comfort me with Thy holy words?”
There have never been so many resources available to teach us than there are today. While we use them and are grateful for them, they must not replace the actual reading of Scripture.
We cannot rely on head knowledge of the Word. Our hearts must be fully engaged and intimate with the Author, so that we are able to apply the Word in our decisions and choices each day. And this comes from being taught by God.
We need to be taught by God and willing to let His Word ”“ apart from our own thoughts, opinions, and knowledge ”“ do the teaching.
Something to think on today for sure. Who is teaching us the most? God’s Word or the words of others?
“How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.”
(Psalm 119:103, NLT)
God’s Word – sweeter than honey –
able to gird our minds and
bring us endurance.
In her post “Not Chariots, Not Horses“, Pam Ecrement shares that this is not a time for business as usual. “Our eyes must be trained to focus on the spiritual while being alert to the world we live in that assails us each moment.” May our eyes stay focused, our hearts and minds alert, and firmly planted in the truth of God’s Word.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
*** This is an edited version which first appeared HERE.
Photo by Heather Barnes on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
There are certain books I like to revisit too. This is a beautiful one to read again. I agree: “Our hearts must be fully engaged and intimate” with God. God is our truest, deepest, and everlasting source.
“We need to be taught by God and willing to let His Word ”“ apart from our own (and the loud voices of other’s) thoughts, opinions, and knowledge ”“ do the teaching.” Yes! I need that anchor every day.
I do want to stay focused on the truth of God’s Word as my main source of encouragement and motivation!
“To think clearly, we are going to need to gird our minds ”“ fasten His Word tightly to our hearts; surrounding or encircling our minds with Scripture.” So true, now more than ever.
Joanne, thank you for sharing this portion of a much loved book. I have several I return to again and again. When I think about why some are more frequented than others, I realize the reason is, they bring me closer to God.
They “gird” me to Him, His Word and His ways. My only hope and stay in troubled times!
Joanne, I too go back to treasured books for reference. And I have notes in the margins. Sometimes when I re read it prompts me to dig further. I enjoy your insights and encouragement.
#14
I have my great-grandmother’s copy that I use. I went to your page 120 – and it was different but just as nourishing. I agree – the scripture should be our solid primary source, but I like it went other discussions (books) help me plumb the depths. I also like the old words – like gird. God’s Holy Words are, indeed, a comfort – and, it seems, the older writers are much more direct about how to face the challenges and be strong in Christ about walking through those challenges.
I definitely need God’s Word to gird up my heart and mind. I don’t know where I would be without it! I have several books that I have gone back to many times, as well. They are like sweet friends.
Indeed Ms. Joanne, God’s word is sweeter than honey and serves as both a balm for our soul and steel for our resolve to follow Him through faith. What great thoughts today ma’am. Thank you!
This is powerful, Joanne. Love this:
“God’s Word ”“ sweeter than honey ”“
able to gird our minds and
bring us endurance.”
Amen! Great post Joanne! We need to always have God’s word first & foremost.
Blessings,
Jennifer
I’m so thankful for this truth, Joanne, “As we fervently gird ourselves with God’s Word,
we are better able to endure life’s circumstances.”
A good question there at the end, Joanne””“Who is teaching us the most? God’s Word or the word of others?” And if we’re listening more to God’s Word, hopefully that will help us to discern when the word of others is based on something besides God’s Word.