The Importance of Daily Devotions

Today we welcome guest bloggers Drs. Nick and Leona Venditti. Authors of Daily Treasures from the Word of God, the Vendittis have been serving together at INSTE Bible College for many years.

“Why daily devotions?” One of the best responses comes from Psalm 1. It sets the tone for the other 149 psalms. The psalmist compares the lives and fruit of the righteous and unrighteous. The key is in the second verse: “but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”

Let’s ask our text two questions. First, what does the righteous person delight in and meditate on? And second, when does the righteous person delight and meditate? The answer to the first question is the Law. Some think of the Law as a list of dos and don’ts. Others think that Old Testament Law is not applicable because as New Testament believers, we are not under the Law. But these are inaccurate views of this verse. The word “law” (תּוֹרָה tôrāh) can be understood as instruction that comes from God. A Messianic-rabbi friend of ours says the Torah is God’s love letter to humanity. So we can say that it is our daily roadmap in life. The Law shows us what, where, and how to get to the destination God has for us.

When, then, are we to enjoy and reflect on God’s Word? The psalmist answers the question with a word picture. He says we are to do so day and night; in other words, all the time. That’s what Ezra did as we see in Ezra 7:10. When we have our time with God in His word every day, the Holy Spirit that inspires God’s written Word brings it to life in us. That is why we can delight in Him and His Word.

In conclusion, we end with a quote from a daily devotional about the Word of God: “Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure” (Kenneth Osbeck, Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions). Make a daily devotional an important part of your spiritual journey.