8 Beth: Hearken to the Word When Young

From his youth, David studied the Word of God.

Additionally, he came to appreciate his Creator on a personal level as his Good Shepherd. If a person wants to develop a character pleasing to the Lord, he or she must study the Word. Paul advised young Timothy: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

We are told to spend time contemplating the deeper meanings of God’s Word by comparing scripture with scripture. “Victory in temptation comes to those who effectively employ the ‘sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God’ (Eph. 6:17). ‘It is written’ was the way the Master met Satan’s subtle allurements (see Matt. 4:4, 7, 10). The youth of today must employ the same spiritual weapons. The mind must constantly feed upon the Word, else the defenses of [the] soul will break down, and Satan will gain the advantage. A neglect to study and to meditate upon the Word for even one day results in serious loss.” With so many worldly attractions vying for attention, it requires a decision on our part to read the Word.

The world beckons us to spend time considering these enticements to the neglect of God’s Word. Few Christians value the Bible as they should.

God cannot assist us if we do not cooperate with Him by first opening our Bibles.

“We are so prone to wander. Like the sheep on the mountainside, how often we go astray (see Isa. 53:6).” As a youth, David hid God’s words deep in his heart.

Psalm 119:11 “contains the secret of true Christian living. A mere knowledge of the Word will not keep us from sin, but when the Word is treasured up in the heart we have the weapons with which to meet and conquer the wily foe (see Job 23:12; Prov. 2:1, 9; Jer. 31:33).” “Lord, bless Thy word to every heart / In this Thy house today, / And help us each as now we part, / Its precepts to obey. / Amen, Amen.”