Steeping in God’s Word

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.  Joshua 1:8 (ESV)

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.  Isaiah 30:21 (ESV)

It’s mid-summer and as we’re making sun tea and homemade cold brew coffee for iced coffee, a thought struck me the other day. It takes time to steep tea and several hours for cold brew coffee to develop the rich, robust flavor that changes its color and gives it a whole new dimension. And it reminded me of how it takes time being in God’s Word and in prayer to become transformed.

Life is busy, especially in the summer months. I can easily get caught up in rushing from one activity to another. I like things to happen fast. And this applies to ideas and projects as well as activities. I get an idea and I want to run with it and get it done so I can get on to the next idea. (And I have A LOT of ideas!) Even though they might be good ideas, projects or activities, are they what God wants me to do?  Often times I find myself praying about it and expecting a quick, clear-cut answer. But how can I expect to hear from God if I’m not steeped in His Word and connected to Him through prayer? Amid all the fun-packed summer activities, I need to intentionally make time to be steeped in God’s Word.

So when is the best time to “steep”? I like to have my quiet time with the Lord early in the morning. But during different stages of my life, I had to fluctuate and find a better time during that season. When our house was bustling with teenagers, I found my quiet time after supper. For you, it might be during a break at work. Or maybe while your littles are napping. Or at the end of the day when all is quiet. Whatever time works for you, God is always there waiting.

Just like tea and cold brew coffee, I want to be continually steeping and brewing as God changes me from the inside out.  And the longer I “steep”, I become more relaxed, content, and at peace in trusting God’s promises as He speaks to me and tells me which way to go.