Flourishing in the Word
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:18–19 * all scripture is NIV unless otherwise noted
As we step into a brand-new year, January always feels like a fresh page waiting for a new story to be written. Many of us set resolutions, make plans, or dream about what we want this year to hold. But before we run ahead, God is inviting us to pause and prepare, to root ourselves in His Word so that we can flourish in Him. A flourishing life doesn’t just happen by accident; it happens when we are equipped with the truth of Scripture and strengthened by His Spirit. What better way to begin 2026 than by positioning our hearts to thrive in Christ, not just for a season, but for every step of the journey ahead? Being equipped to flourish in the Word of God requires the practice of seven essential principles.
The first essential principle is “Posture.”
“Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51: 10
The posture of your 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. While both of these may bring about the same physical result, there is a huge difference in the heart behind desire and obedience. Let's look at these definitions.
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 last part of Psalm 51:12 reads, “Make me willing to obey you.” That is what the Lord wants, a willing spirit. Posture yourselves in this way before Him.
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 MSG
In Hebrew, the word Bethel means House of God, or Holy Place. You too can have a Bethel. The atmosphere you create, the beauty and peace of your Bethel will impact your time with the Lord. Do you love to light a candle? Do you need a cup of coffee in a cozy chair with a comfy blanket? Do you need a small uncluttered corner tucked away where noone can find you?
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 and there he prayed.” Mark 1: 35
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 before our day begins. 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.
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. The important thing is to find a time that you can be fully present with the Lover of your soul.
The fourth essential principle is tools.
“May he equip you with everything good for doing his will…” Hebrews 13: 21a
Do you love to journal? Do you love to draw? Are you an analytical person that loves to look up interesting facts? Or do you just love to sit back, listen, take it all in? God has created us all so differently and how we study God and process God’s Word can be just as creative.
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.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 6-7
One of the greatest gifts we have as believers is the ability to come before God in prayer. We don’t need a mediator, a ritual, or the perfect words, just a willing heart that seeks Him. Prayer is both powerful and personal, because it connects us directly to the heart of our Father.
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. 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.
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. He was in the beginning with God…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” 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. Above, we read Hebrews 4: 12, which reminds us that God’s Word is alive and active.
Third, the Bible gives us God’s promises and anchors us in truth. 2 Corinthians 1: 20 reminds us, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” 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. Ephesians 6: 17 tells us to, “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” 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. Psalm 119:11 reminds us that hiding God’s Word in our heart is essential for overcoming sin, it is essential for combat.
The seventh and last essential principle is to respond.
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1: 22
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. It may look like taking a leap of faith and walking a road that is outside our comfort zone. 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.
Prayer
When we posture ourselves with desire, prepare an atmosphere for His presence, set aside intentional time, are equipped with the right tools, pray with expectancy, read His living Word, and respond in obedience, we place ourselves in a beautiful path of transformation that will allow us to flourish in every area of life. Prepare your hearts before the Lord this week by letting these prompts guide you into a fresh new year with the Father.
Lord, align the posture of my heart so that I desire Your presence, not just out of duty, but out of delight.
Lord, help me create an atmosphere in my life where distractions fade, and Your voice is clear.
Lord, teach me to give You my best time and attention this year, so I can flourish in consistency with You.
Lord, let Your Word not just inform me but transform me, help me live out truth with obedience, joy, and boldness.
“Blessed is the one who delights in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither, whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1: 2-3
