It is one thing to have a mental understanding or appreciation for the Word of God or to even believe it is true from an intellectual standpoint. But the only way the Word will actually produce results in our lives is when we allow it to affect our spirit and soul on a deeper level. It is when we abide in the Word continually, and let the Word abide in us, that it becomes more than just a superficial, mental experience.

The only way to go beyond our intellect, where the Word is concerned, is to dwell in it, or abide in it, on a constant basis. What does it mean to abide in the Word? It means to make it your dwelling place. When you dwell somewhere, you set up residence there; it is where you live.

In John 15:4-7 Jesus says:
 “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Jesus clearly wants our interaction with Him to go beyond the surface level of our minds and enter into the deep recesses of our hearts. We are to saturate ourselves in the Word of God so that it takes root in our spirits. These roots will keep us stable when the storms of life hit. Not only that, but abiding in the Word enables God to work in our lives in an unprecedented way.

The Word of God is alive; it is supernatural power that will actually work in us when we become immersed in it. Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…” When something is “rich” it has substance. Think about a rich dessert, like chocolate cake, and the feeling of fullness that comes when you eat it. That same feeling is what you want to achieve in your spirit man, and it comes when you feed your spirit the rich substance of God’s Word.

As you feed on the Word on a continual basis, you will find it will begin to affect everything, from the way you think to your responses to people and situations. The Word will produce a completely different mind-set, as well as an awareness of God, that you have never known before. It will begin to come alive within you!

Making the Word your dwelling place enables you to produce fruit in your life. Love, joy, peace, patience, self-control, and meekness are aspects of the fruit of the Spirit that become evident when you are abiding in the Word. Healing, financial increase, deliverance, healthy relationships, and the supernatural ability to prosper are other benefits of allowing the Word to dwell richly in you. Most of all, you will be able to hear the voice of God and maintain an intimate relationship with Him, through His Word working in you.

Our goal as Christians is to become more and more like Jesus every day, and we do this by planting the Word in our hearts. Reading, studying, speaking, and meditating on the Word are surefire ways to become Word-abiding. By taking time to do this every day, we create a place in our hearts for the Word to flourish and grow, producing undeniable results in our lives.

Visit our online Bible Study Center for more information on how to keep the Word at the center of your life.

— Creflo A. Dollar