Thy Word is like a Garden, Lord

by Emily 
from Virtuous Daughters, February 2011~Volume 10, Number 11

Thy Word is like a garden, Lord,
With flowers bright and fair;
And every one who seeks may pluck
A lovely cluster there.
Thy Word is like a deep, deep mine;
And jewels rich and rare
Are hidden in its mighty depths
For every searcher there.
 
Thy Word is like a starry host:
A thousand rays of light
Are seen to guide the traveler,
And make his pathway bright.
Thy Word is like an armory,
Where soldiers may repair;
And find for life’s long battle-day
All needful weapons there.
 
O, may I love Thy precious Word,
May I explore the mine,
May I its fragrant flowers glean,
May light upon me shine!
O, may I find my armor there!
Thy Word my trusty sword,
I’ll learn to fight with every foe
The battle of the Lord.
 
(a hymn by Edwin Hodder)
 
As seen in the words to this hymn, the Bible can be likened to many things. In Psalm 19, we are told that God’s Word is “more to be desired than gold” and “sweeter than honey.” Job said he esteemed God’s Word more than his necessary food. We know that the Bible is inspired and preserved by God, free from any error. It is a powerful “sword” for spiritual battles. Hiding God’s Word in our hearts will help to keep us from sinning. The Word of God produces faith, which is necessary for salvation. As 2 Timothy 3:16–17 tells us, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
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All of these wonderful treasures lie within the pages of your Bible. Yet, if we do not read it, these treasures will remain ignored and useless. Let me encourage you to make Bible reading a very important part of every day! Here in America, Bibles are very easily available to everyone, and I think sometimes we may take that for granted. Think of the Christians in other countries, where some may only have a page of the Bible, or who carefully hand-copy portions from a Bible they have borrowed. For some, it is a crime to even possess a Bible.
 
Before reading the Bible, pray and ask the Lord to help you understand and concentrate as you read. If you find yourself bothered by distractions, try to find a quiet place where you’ll have less trouble paying attention. I like to read in my bedroom in the morning, before starting the day. This has worked well for me, but find out what works for you. What’s most important is that you do spend time reading the Bible. Whether you’ve been reading the Bible for years or have just begun to do so, God’s Word contains wonderful riches that are waiting to be found!