Two things are linked in the above Scripture; they present a warning and reality. If you stop listening to God’s Word, you will stray. There’s an old hymn with the words “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.”

I hope you know your human nature well enough to know that your heart is prone to wander too. Have you heard it said, “If there’s dust on your Bible, there’s dirt in your life”? Never underestimate the power of the world, the flesh, and the devil to subtly plant seeds of desire that will pull you away. But then never underestimate the power of God’s Word to keep you safe, and—if you stray—to pull you back, cleanse you, and restore you.

So if you do not read God’s Word every day as your anchor and food, you are vulnerable. Mere head knowledge is not enough either. Henry Blackaby says, “God’s people have head knowledge but little heart and life experience with God.” Blackaby recommends that you keep a journal as you read. “When you sense God speaking to your heart,” he says, “don’t let those thoughts get away from you. Write them down so you can review them.” He also is a great advocate of application. Each day ask the question, “God, what do you want me to do in response to today’s reading?”

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!