Written by: Gawie de Lange
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Joshua, my eldest son, is writing his matric exams this year. He recently asked me how he can find peace in the midst of such a big challenge in his life. He wanted to know how he can hear God’s voice to calm and soothe him during this stressful season. I reminded him that there is something about the Word of God that cannot be compared to anything else in this world. The Bible is not just a book of good ideas, moral stories, or religious traditions. It is God Himself speaking to us. When we allow His Word into our hearts, it will transform, heal, correct, guide, strengthen, and calm us in ways nothing else can.
Look to the Bible
Think of Joshua in the Bible. After Moses died, the responsibility of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land rested on his shoulders. He must have felt overwhelmed and inadequate. But God gave him one clear instruction, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Josh 1:8). Notice that God did not tell Joshua to study military strategy, nor did He instruct him to sharpen his weapons. Victory would not have come through sheer force, but through obedience and meditation on the Word.
Anchor yourself in the Word
Throughout history, men and women who have anchored themselves in Scripture became unshakeable. David said, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Ps 119:11). Jesus Himself, when tempted in the wilderness, overcame the devil three times with the same phrase, “It is written.” He did not argue, negotiate, or compromise. He stood firmly on the Word, and satan fled.
Lifting us up
In our own lives, the Word of God brings the same power. It has the ability to renew our minds when the world overwhelms us. It brings us comfort in grief, gives us hope in desperate times, and, for my son, calmness in his stressful exam. When the enemy whispers lies of defeat, God’s Word reminds us that we are more than conquerors through Christ. When circumstances press us down, His Word – full of promises – lifts us up.
Promises for daily life
We often underestimate the power of Scripture. Many times, the verses I read in my morning quiet times are the very words that carry me through the storms of the day. Just as Joshua faced battles and found victory through the Word, so can we. Here are three points to ponder on the power of the Word:
1. The Word strengthens us for victory
God’s Word equips us to face challenges with boldness. “Be strong and courageous … Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips” (Josh 1:7-8).
2. The Word guards us against sin
The Bible is a shield against temptation and a guide towards making the right decisions. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Ps 119:11).
3. The Word gives us authority over the enemy
Just as Jesus overcame satan, so can we by declaring God’s truth with confidence. Meditate on the Word and stand on the promises it gives. This will give you peace in difficult times! For, “It is written…” (Matt 4:4).
This article is featured in the October issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 22/10/2025
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only. Artwork from www.freepik.com
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