The Refresh Button · Wendy Pope

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

It never fails. The moment I sit down to work at my computer, I’m interrupted.

I tend to multi-task, so I can be writing a devotion, working on a speaking message or helping my high-schooler with research for a project, all at the same time. As a result, I often have multiple websites open.

That’s when the interruptions start. Bzzztt.

The buzzer rings to move the clothes from the washer to dryer. The water is boiling for spaghetti noodles. Inevitably, “Mom, I need your help!” bellows from the other room.

Hours later when supper is over, the laundry’s completed and the problem is solved, I finally return to my computer. As my PC awakens I notice the opened websites look exactly the same as when I left them hours before. Untouched. Unchanged. Suspended in time.

But as soon as I hit the refresh button, all the information on the untouched, unchanged, suspended-in-time pages turns instantly current.

Something similar happens when we leave our Bibles untouched and then begin reading again. Our lives remain the same and a bit suspended-in-time. As we read in today’s key verse, God’s Word is “alive and active.” Reading it refreshes our souls and can touch and change our lives.

Recently while I was reading Psalm 23, King David’s words became alive and active. It felt like God hit the refresh button in my spirit to show me the current application of this familiar Psalm. Can I share with you how I was refreshed by these six short verses?

“The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.” (NLT)

He gives me all I need. (v1)
He lets me rest. (v2)
He leads me. (v2)
He renews me. (v3)
He guides me. (v3)
He keeps me company. (v4)
He protects me. (v4)
He raises me up. (v5)
He honors me. (v5)
He pursues me. (v6)
He will spend eternity with me. (v6)

Do you feel refreshed? I know I do. God’s Word has power. Each time we read it, words penned thousands of years ago come to life over and over again! His Word is truly alive and active. God longs to touch and change our lives each day with His power. I just love God’s Word! And I pray if you don’t already, some day you will, too.

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