February 21

Morning

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” — Heb 13:5 BSB

If we can grasp the truth of these words by faith, we hold an all-conquering weapon in our hands. What doubt could withstand the sharp edge of this two-edged sword? What fear could remain when struck by this powerful arrow from God’s covenant? Neither the hardships of life nor the pains of death; neither the corruptions within nor the temptations without; neither trials from above nor temptations from below—none of these could be more than light afflictions when we take refuge in the promise of "He has said." Yes! Whether for peace in quiet times or strength in conflict, “He has said” must be our daily refuge.

This shows us the great value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in God’s Word that is exactly what you need, but you may not know it, and thus miss its comfort. Like a prisoner in a cell with a key nearby that could unlock the door, you may remain captive simply because you do not search for the key. There may be a healing medicine in the Bible’s storehouse, but unless you seek it, you may remain ill even when a cure is close at hand.

Shouldn’t we then not only read the Bible but also fill our memories with the promises of God? We remember the sayings of great men and the lines of famous poets; how much more should we be knowledgeable about God’s words, so that we can call them to mind in times of doubt or difficulty? Since “He has said” is the wellspring of all wisdom and comfort, let it dwell in you richly, like “a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” In this way, you will grow strong, healthy, and joyful in your spiritual life.

Evening

So Philip ran up and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. — Acts 8:30 BSB

We would be better teachers and less easily swayed by every new idea if we sought a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Since the Holy Spirit is the Author of Scripture and the only one who can truly enlighten us, we should constantly ask Him for teaching and guidance in all truth.

When the prophet Daniel wanted to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, what did he do? He devoted himself to prayer, asking God to reveal the meaning. Similarly, when the apostle John saw the vision of the sealed book on the Isle of Patmos, no one was found worthy to open it, but John’s tears—his liquid prayers—were the key that opened it. Though it was the Lion of Judah who ultimately opened the book, John’s weeping led to the revelation of the mystery.

If you desire to be “filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,” remember that prayer is your best study tool. Like Daniel, you will understand the vision when you seek God’s help; like John, you will see the seals of precious truths unlocked after much weeping in prayer.

Just as stones cannot be broken without the use of a hammer, so the deep doctrines of the Bible cannot be unlocked without prayer. Use the hammer of diligence, and kneel in prayer. There is no doctrine in Scripture, no matter how difficult or stony, that won’t break open under the force of prayer and faith. Prayer is the lever that opens the iron chest of God’s mysteries, so we can access the treasure hidden within.