Dear Fellowship of the Burning Heart:

These keys were listed in yesterday’s post:

1. Hear
2. Read
3. Study
4. Memorize
5. Meditate

I previously discussed the first two. Now I will address the last three.

3. Study. Haven’t you ever spent time studying someone or something that appeared beautiful, caught your attention, or garnered your appreciation. I have spent time enjoying the splendor of a sunset, contemplating cloud formations, learning the habits, expressions, and features of the one I love. If you care about the subject, you will study that subject, and the more you care the more intense and extensive your study. If we care about God, we will want to know the kind of person he is, what is important to him, and what he expects from us. This study is much more than an academic pursuit; it is personal and passionate. When I was dating, I wanted to know what my beloved enjoyed, what would please her, what she was expecting or desiring, what her thoughts were, how she was feeling and much more. I wanted to know, not so that I could write a paper, explore the subject or present a thesis. I wanted to know because I cared and wanted to respond to her. Thus, we should be students of God and his Word, because we want to know him personally and intimately.

4. Memorize. Now what does this have to do with relationship? Well, if you love someone or care about them, you will want to commit things to memory about them that you can recall: their birthday, favorite food, what they enjoy doing, and more. You commit them to memory, not because you want to pass a test about their life or to impress them. You memorize these details because they are important to the one you love. Committing to memory things about God and his Word is all about your love for him. Because these things are important to him and he has entrusted them to you, you want to remember them.

5. Meditate. Often when relating to another person, we face problems, challenges or issues that demand a thoughtful and thought out response. Something your partner says to you or a suggestion they give you must be weighed mentally and considered carefully. You can’t give an immediate answer or spontaneous approval. Sometimes, an issue or problem demands deep and careful consideration before moving forward. Meditation is thoughtful consideration of what God has said and what that means to you and for you. He doesn’t expect an immediate response. He wants you to carefully weigh his instructions and understand his thoughts and ways. Though we can’t know everything about him, I am convinced we can know a great deal more than we think, if we are willing to stop and meditate on his Word.

So when I was given those 5 words, I knew they were important, but I was not aware that they hold a deeper wisdom than I imagined. I can continue, as in the past to approach them as rules, as duty, or I can see them as keys to growing an intimate relationship with God. I now wholeheartedly choose the latter.