Equipped to Flourish in the Word of God
“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 *all scripture is NIV unless otherwise noted
Being equipped to flourish in the Word of God is a skill all of us can acquire., but what does that actually mean? Let’s start by looking at the definitions of the words “equipped” and “flourish.”
Equipped means to furnish and fully supply for service or action by appropriate provision. Flourish means to grow luxuriantly for a season of thriving. If we were to make a sentence out of these definitions, it might sound something like this: Come together as sisters in Christ to be fully furnished with everything you need to grow luxuriantly in the Word of God and community.
WOW! Doesn’t that get you excited and fill you with joy? To think that the Creator of the universe has already provided everything we need to live strong and beautiful lives in Him! He doesn’t just call us to follow, He equips us for the journey. Being equipped to flourish in the Word of God isn’t a one-time event; it’s a daily practice, a continual growing in His presence.
7 Essential Principles
There are seven essential principles we can implement that will allow us to be equipped and to flourish in the Word of God.
The first essential principle is “Posture.”
“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal (right or steadfast) spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.” Psalm 51: 10-12 NLT
The posture of our heart is the most important thing to God. Are you truly desiring to spend time with the Lord or are you doing it solely out of obedience. Desire is a conscious impulse towards something that promises enjoyment or satisfaction in its attainment. It means doing something because you look forward to doing it and are excited about it. Obedience is to follow the commands or guidance of someone or something. It can oftentimes be for our safety and good.
Spending time with God out of obedience is not bad. Sometimes it takes being obedient to help us form a habit that becomes a sweet lifestyle. It can be a starting point for that deep personal relationship to develop. The psalmist said it beautifully, “Make me willing to obey you.” That is what the Lord wants. A willing spirit ready to spend time with him, desiring to spend time with Him. Obedience can lead to desire.
The second essential principle is atmosphere.
“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God.” Matthew 6:6 The Message
Have you ever prepared your Bethel? In Hebrew, Bethel means House of God, or Holy Place. Creating your Bethel is about more than just a physical space, it’s about preparing an atmosphere where your heart can focus, your mind can rest, and your spirit can connect with God. No matter how small or unconventional the space may be, what matters is that it becomes your holy place, set apart for Him. When you intentionally cultivate your Bethel, you invite God’s presence in a way that stirs desire, inspires worship, and makes your time with Him something you truly look forward to. So take the step today: find your space, make it your own, and let it become the backdrop for the life-giving encounters God longs to have with you.
The third essential principle is timing.
“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place (His Bethel - emphasis mine) and there he prayed.” Mark 1:35 ESV
The timing of when we sit with the Father and how much time we spend with Him are decisions we need to set in stone. We see Jesus set an example of early morning prayer time throughout the gospels. The time of day that you choose to sit with the Lord is vital to flourishing in your relationship with Him.
While there are many benefits of early morning quiet times, it can be any time that works for you! Although the timing may change with different seasons of life, one constant will always remain; being fully present, no distractions. Find a time that you can be fully present with the Lover of your soul. For a mom with young children, this may only be 10 minutes early in the morning or late at night, locked in the bathroom. For those who are empty nesters, it may be a sweet hour or two in the morning of uninterrupted quiet and focus. Whatever the season of life, find the time that works for you that allows you to be consistent.
The fourth essential principle is tools.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who dies not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2: 15
Having the right tools is essential for your time with the Lord. Here are some practical tools for your time with the Lord; a good study bible, highlighters, journal, sketch pad, colored pencils and pens, sticky notes, a bible study or devotional, a reading plan, using websites like enduring word, bible gateway or blueletter bible, downloading the bible app on your phone, and if it doesn’t distract you, worship music.
The beauty of tools is that they don’t all look the same. What fuels one woman’s growth may look completely different for another. The goal isn’t to have the fanciest supplies, but to use what helps you engage most deeply with God’s Word. When we find the tools that fit us best, we are better equipped to be transformed by truth and prepared for every good work.
The fifth essential principle is prayer.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
We constantly see in the gospels how Jesus went off to a solitary place to talk, pray, with the Father. Prayer is an intimate conversation with God. It is an opportunity for us to communicate, to have direct access with the God of the Universe, our Creator. Prayer is an opportunity for us to celebrate what He has done in our lives as well as cry out when things seem hard and overwhelming. Prayer is not only a time for us to be able to pour out our hearts but also a time to intercede for others, to lift their needs before the Lord. No matter what is in our heart, praise or pain, He delights in our presence with Him through prayer. And make no mistake, God hears our prayers!
Spending time talking with the Father is a privilege we don’t want to neglect. Jesus’ “Model Prayer” in Matthew 6: 9-13 is one that we can practice on a daily basis. You can begin with praising the Father for who He is, and then move onto submitting your will to His purpose, asking for provision trusting He will provide, acknowledging your sin before him with a repentant heart, asking for protection from temptation and evil, and ending with more praise. Whether this is written or spoken, following the pattern Jesus set for us is a wonderful way to grow in Him.
The sixth essential principle is read.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 ESV
In order to flourish in life and the Word of God, you have to actually pick up the bible and read it! Reading a great bible study, commentary, christian book, devotional, or even listening to great christian music is NOT spending time in The Word. Only God’s Word is living and 100% true. Here are 4 things reading the Bible does for us as believers.
First, the Bible reveals the Trinity. John 1:1-2, 14 in the ESV tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Bible introduces us to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, not just as concepts, but personally.
Second, the Bible grows us spiritually. Only Scripture has the power to shape our character and prepare us for God’s purposes.
Third, the Bible gives us God’s promises and anchors us in truth. In a world full of uncertainty, the Word of God is unshakable. God’s faithfulness anchors us when life feels overwhelming. God’s promises are not wishful thinking and hopes. They are guaranteed truths we can stand on.
Fourth, the Bible is our weapon in spiritual warfare. In all of the armor, the Bible, the Word of God, is the only offensive weapon we are given. That is why it is so important to know the Word of God, to memorize scripture.
The seventh essential principle is respond.
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice, the kind he will find acceptable.” Romans 12:1 NLT
After praying and reading God’s Word, our journey doesn’t stop there. It calls for a response. God never intended for His Word to merely inform us; He gave it to transform us. That transformation happens when we take what we’ve read, what we’ve prayed over, and allow it to move us into obedience and action. Our response demonstrates gratitude for His goodness, submission to His authority, and agreement with His will. Sometimes that response may look like lifting our hands in worship, bowing in reverence, or speaking words of thanks. Other times, it’s the quiet, consistent steps of applying the principles of Scripture in our daily lives, choosing forgiveness, showing love, extending grace, or walking in faith even when it’s hard.
Reflection and Prayer
Take some time to reflect on these questions and ask the Father to show you areas where you can flourish in Him and His Word.
1. Posture
Lord, what is the true posture of my heart when I come before You?
Am I seeking You out of duty or out of desire?
What attitudes or distractions do I need to surrender so that my heart is pure and open to You?
2. Atmosphere
Father, where can I create a sacred space to meet with You?
What would it look like for me to prepare an atmosphere that welcomes Your presence?
Are there things in my environment, or in my spirit, that keep me from resting in You?
3. Timing
Jesus, when is the best time for me to sit with You each day?
What needs to shift in my schedule so that You become my priority, not an afterthought?
How can I be fully present with You in the season I’m in right now?
4. Tools
Lord, what tools help me draw closer to You through Your Word?
Are there new ways You’re inviting me to study, highlight, or record Your truth in my heart?
Teach me to use every resource as a pathway, not a replacement, for Your presence.
5. Prayer
Father, what does true conversation with You look like in my life right now?
Do I take time to listen as much as I speak?
Show me how to weave prayer through my whole day, not just my quiet moments.
6. Read
Jesus, how can I read Your Word with fresh eyes and an open heart?
Have I been substituting other spiritual content for time in Your living Word?
Let Your truth sink deep into my heart and transform the way I think and live.
7. Respond
Holy Spirit, how are You calling me to respond to what I’ve read and prayed today?
What step of faith, obedience, or surrender are You asking me to take?
Who in my life needs to see the reflection of Your Word through my actions?
“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your love be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with gratitude.” Colossians 2:6-7 TPT
