“The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63 (NKJV)
Spending time with God is always essential, but especially if you are dealing with temptation or struggling with sin.
Some people think if they’re dealing with sin, they can’t study the Bible or attend church until they get their lives together. That’s like saying, “I’ll take a bath once I get cleaned up.” No, that’s backwards. You need to jump into the tub to get clean first!
Other people think hearing a pastor’s teaching once a week is enough. While listening to weekly church messages is vital to getting God’s Word in your heart, everyday devotions are also important.
If temptation is knocking on your door, devotions will help you avoid giving in to sin or starting to mess with stuff you used to have victory over. Purposefully setting aside time to spend in God’s Word is the absolute answer!
You see, the Bible is life-giving, and when you open it and begin to read, something incredible starts to take place in your spirit. In the same way a teacher explains lessons to students when they open their textbooks, Holy Spirit will teach you as you get into God’s Word. He can begin to instruct you, whether it’s five minutes reading the Word during your morning coffee or an hour listening to a great teaching message on your commute into work.
The more you learn to take what you hear or read of God’s Word and hide it in your heart, the more the desire to sin or give in to temptation will lose its appeal. Instead, you’ll begin to sense God’s wisdom strengthening you and guiding you to victory.