How can we be spiritually vigorous if we do not feed on God's Word? It is impossible. Will the physical body keep well and strong without food? Certainly not! No one would question this. Likewise, the spiritual life cannot be vigorous and strong without spiritual food. We hope to be understood. We do not wish to be arbitrary or peculiar; but we must speak truthfully. The mere reading of the Scriptures will not feed your spiritual life, although if this is neglected, grave perils are soon manifested. The believer who reads a number of verses of Scripture and then rushes on with his work is in danger of becoming a chronic invalid—spiritually. The believer needs to search the Scriptures, meditate on them, and feast on them to receive divine light and power.

We must daily feed our inner man; and to do this, we must gather food and eat it. A meditation here and there will not do. We must feed on God's Word if we would be healthy, strong, and vigorous. We must do as the prophet of old did: "Thy Words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart; for I am called by Thy name, O Lord God of hosts" (Jeremiah 15:16).

An intelligent verbal knowledge of the Scriptures will not do. This is not much better than writing an essay on bread in which a description of its ingredients and baking process is given. We must meditate upon the Word. We must mix faith with the Word when we read it or hear it taught and preached (Hebrews 4:2). Without obedience to the Word we have heard, we will not grow or be blessed.

The Word must be digested. This takes time and a godly appetite for divine things. Lack of delight in the Word reveals poor spiritual appetite. Food, to be easily and well digested, must be enjoyed. The appetite must be keen and normal. Worry, care, discouragement, depression, loss of communion with the Lord through occupation or involvement with things of the world, fleshly activity—all these hinder digestion. We must learn to cast our care upon the Lord and to enjoy unhindered fellowship with Him if we would really digest the Word of God. Yes, we must seek to enjoy the Word.

Above all, we need the working of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit caused the Word of God to be written years ago, and today He lives to apply, to interpret, to teach, and to make real with living power the written Word. We may read and study, we may use the best helps and hear the best preaching and teaching, and yet the force of Scripture will not be realized unless the Holy Spirit applies it. We need to be taught of God. We must behold with spiritual eyes—eyes opened by the Lord.

Oh, the joy of reality in the things of God as revealed in the Word! When we get beyond the mere historical and intellectual, the Word shines brilliantly before our eyes. Then we will have spiritual fellowship, strength, accuracy, and activity. We will grow in likeness to our blessed Lord and wait for His coming with glad hearts.

—Dr. W.S. Hottel