Abide in the Word

Abiding in the Word and allowing it to abide in us gives us more power in our prayer lives.

Most
Christians know the importance of reading the Bible, but many do not
understand the importance of abiding in the Word and allowing the Word
to abide in them. Jesus told His disciples, “If you live in Me [abide
vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in
your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you” (John
15:7, AMP).

To abide means “to remain, to continue in, or to dwell in.” When we are
diligent to study the Word and hide Scripture verses in our hearts, we
have instant access to them whenever we need them, and Jesus promised
that we can ask for whatever we need in prayer and receive it.

Abiding in the Word and allowing the Word to abide in us gives us more
power in our prayer lives. And having power in prayer gives us power
over the enemy.

Jesus also said, “If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and
live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. And you will
know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

Consider 1 John 2:14 and you will see that abiding in the Word of God
produces victory over the wicked one: “I write to you, young men,
because you are strong and vigorous, and the Word of God is [always]
abiding in you (in your hearts), and you have been victorious over the
wicked one.”

I can testify that the Word of God has caused me to be victorious over
the devil. I was a Christian for many years-a church-attending, tithing
Christian who loved God and was active in church work. But I had zero
victory because I did not know the Word.

Many believers go to church every week to listen to someone else preach
the Word to them, but they never know the Word for themselves. If you
want to live in victory, you must do your own study of the Word-dig out
for yourself the gold that is hidden in the pages of the Bible.

I am talking about something far beyond reading a chapter a day. That is
good and may be a place to start, but if you really want victory over
the devil in these end times, you must give God’s Word a place of
priority in your life.

You abide in the Word by staying in it. Practically speaking, this could
mean that you get up in the morning and, while taking a shower, you
begin confessing or singing the Word. Perhaps on the way to work you
listen to a good teaching or music CD that is filled with the Word. The
Bible is available on CD if you want to listen to it while doing your
work around the house. You should hear anointed preaching and teaching
regularly. Several times a week is not too often.

You may want to use your lunch hour to read the Word or walk outside and
pray (remember to fill your prayers with the Word). When the workday is
over, listen to good teaching or music on the way home.

I am not suggesting that you ignore your family or become irresponsible
in other areas. While you are at work you need to give your employer a
full day’s work for a full day’s pay. No one can keep the Word going in
his head or ears constantly.
Abiding does not mean “unceasingly.” I define it as “relentlessly”-on a
regular, continuing basis. Giving the Word a place of priority will
change your life.

If you have been wondering why it always seems that you are under
something-facing one problem or another-and don’t have victory in your
life, perhaps you need to spend more time abiding in the Word.

Can you honestly say that you have spent your years as a Christian
abiding in God’s Word … and allowing it to abide in you? If the answer
is no, I encourage you to take action. Make reading and studying the
Word a priority. Start memorizing Scriptures and hiding them in your
heart. Then when you face the battles of life you will be fully armed
and prepared to win the war.

Joyce Meyer is a New York Times best-selling author and founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries. She has authored nearly 90 books, including her new Living Beyond Your Feelings (Hachette). She is the the host of Enjoying Everyday Life radio and TV programs. Visit her online at joycemeyer.org.