God's Word Really Works

People regularly ask me questions like, “Joyce, what’s the secret to having a great life?” or “What should I do to be successful in my job or ministry?”

I think many times people are looking for me to give them some deep, elaborate answer they’ve never heard before. However, it’s really very simple. If we want to have a great life—a life of freedom that we truly enjoy—it all begins with reading and studying God’s Word. 

Jesus says in John 8:31-32, ...If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free (AMPC).

This is one of my all-time favorite passages of Scripture. In the early years of my walk with God—when my life was a mess and I truly couldn’t imagine ever truly being free—I held on tightly to this promise.  

I think an important part of this scripture is the word abide, which means “to continue.” In this day and age, we are good at “trying” things for a couple days or a couple weeks to see if it makes a difference. But God’s Word isn’t something we try—it’s a commitment we make, knowing it will produce life-changing results if we stick with it.

I’ll never forget a woman I met at one of my conferences a few years ago. She approached me and said, “Joyce, I’ve listened to your messages and decided to try it. But after two weeks, I haven’t noticed any changes.”

I told this precious woman what I’m telling you today: It won’t happen overnight, but if you continue in God’s Word and refuse to give up on your relationship with God, your life will change.

Jesus says in Mark 4:24: ...The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you...(AMPC). 

I really love this because it’s so practical. Here, Jesus is saying, “You will get out of it what you put into it!”

When you read or listen to the Word, I encourage you to approach it with an attitude that says, “I’m going to do what God says to do.” Because when you approach His Word with a willing heart, you will receive revelation and understanding. God’s Word will show you truth that will help you combat the lies of the enemy.

Today, I am a walking testimony of John 8:32. God has set me free in so many areas, and He continues to set me free as I abide in His Word and pursue a relationship with Him.

What will God’s Word do for you?

John 1:1 (AMPC) says, In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. 

Jesus is the Word of God! And when we study the Word, we strengthen our relationship with Him because we’re spending time with Him. 

Studying God’s Word is extremely valuable because we discover who God really is—His character and attributes. We also discover His promises and the good things He has planned for our lives.

 Here are just a few of the things the Word of God does for us...

• God’s Word has the power to renew our mind and change the way we think and act. (Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:16)
• It teaches us wisdom so we know how to handle every situation we face in life. (Proverbs 3:5-7)
• It’s a book of comfort that brings healing to our lives. (Psalm 103; 2 Corinthians 1:3)

I recently sat down to make a list of some of the things that God’s Word does for us, and I quickly reached 40! Although there are certainly more, I think this list gives us a pretty good idea of just how amazing His Word really is. 

Are you looking for strength? Try this…

In Psalm 119:28 (AMPC), King David says, My soul dissolves because of grief; renew and strengthen me according to [the promises of] Your word. 

Just like we go to a filling station when our car runs out of gas, I often view my time in God’s Word like stopping at a “Holy Ghost filling station.” When life has worn me down and sapped my strength, I can go to His Word to get “filled up” again. 

You see, God’s Word renews our minds and brings us peace (see Romans 12:2). When we reflect on His promises and the good plans He has for us, it literally revives our spirit and fills us with hope and expectation. 

God’s Word also strengthens us to keep going, not give up, and not give in to temptation. The truth is, we need God’s strength just to do what’s right. I wake up some days and don’t really feel like being very nice. But after spending time in the Word, the Lord gives me the strength and desire to walk in love and treat people properly.

Isaiah 40:31 (AMPC) has been one of the most important scriptures of my life. It says, Those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power.... 

The busier my schedule gets and the more I have to do, the more time I need to spend with God—reading His Word, talking to Him in prayer, or just sitting quietly in His presence.  

You were never meant to do it alone. When you’re tired, weary or worn-out, take some time to refresh and recharge yourself with God’s Word. As you do, He will meet you where you are...and give you the strength you need to handle anything that comes your way.