"Can The Word Be Found In You?"

Rediscovering God's Word: A Call to Spiritual Revival

In the bustling rhythm of modern life, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We fill our days with countless activities, pursuits, and distractions, often neglecting the very foundation of our faith. But what if we've misplaced something far more precious than our car keys or favorite gadget? What if we've lost touch with the living, breathing Word of God?

The story of King Josiah in 2 Chronicles 34 serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God's Word. At just eight years old, Josiah ascended to the throne of Judah. Unlike many of his predecessors, including his wicked grandfather Manasseh, Josiah chose to seek after God from a young age. By sixteen, he was actively pursuing a relationship with the Almighty.

But it wasn't until Josiah was twenty-six that a remarkable discovery shook the very foundations of his kingdom. During the renovation of the temple, the high priest Hilkiah found the long-lost Book of the Law. When this rediscovered Scripture was read to Josiah, the young king's response was nothing short of extraordinary. He tore his clothes in anguish, recognizing how far his people had strayed from God's commands.

This pivotal moment begs the question: Have we, too, lost sight of God's Word in our lives? Has it become buried beneath the clutter of our daily existence, collecting dust like a forgotten heirloom?

The temple in Josiah's time had fallen into disrepair, both physically and spiritually. Idols and pagan altars had been erected within its sacred walls. Similarly, we must ask ourselves: Have we allowed idols to creep into the temples of our hearts? These modern-day idols might not be carved statues, but they can be just as destructive – our careers, our hobbies, our endless pursuit of entertainment and distraction.

Consider this sobering statistic: The average person spends over two hours daily on social media. How does that compare to the time we devote to God's Word? If we were to eliminate all sports, all entertainment, all our favorite pastimes – would it significantly impact our relationship with God? If the answer is yes, we may have unknowingly erected altars to false gods within our spiritual temples.

The good news is that it's never too late for revival. Josiah's response to hearing God's Word was immediate and radical. He tore down the idols, purged the land of pagan worship, and recommitted his nation to following the Lord. We, too, can experience this kind of spiritual renewal.

But where do we start? The answer lies in cultivating a tender heart – one that is receptive to God's voice and willing to be broken over our shortcomings. When Josiah heard the words of the Law, his heart was tender. He recognized the gravity of their disobedience and took swift action to rectify it.

In our own lives, this might mean:

1. Prioritizing time in God's Word daily, not as a chore but as a lifeline.
2. Examining our hearts for "idols" that may be competing for our devotion.
3. Being willing to let go of activities or habits that hinder our spiritual growth.
4. Actively seeking opportunities to share our faith with others.
5. Fostering unity and love within our faith communities.

It's crucial to remember that the greatest threats to our spiritual well-being often come from within, not from external forces. Just as the downfall of ancient Israel and Judah stemmed from internal corruption rather than outside invasion, we must be vigilant against the subtle erosion of our faith from the inside out.

This calls for a renewed commitment to unity, love, and mutual support within our faith communities. Whether it's a women's retreat, a marriage seminar, or simply our day-to-day interactions, we must be intentional about building one another up in Christ.

The story of Josiah reminds us that true revival begins with rediscovering God's Word and allowing it to penetrate the deepest recesses of our hearts. It's about more than just reading Scripture – it's about letting it read us, challenge us, and transform us from the inside out.

As we reflect on this powerful narrative, let's ask ourselves some hard questions:

- When was the last time God's Word moved us to tears or compelled us to action?
- Are we actively inviting others to experience the life-changing power of the gospel?
- Have we become complacent in our faith, content with going through the motions without true heart engagement?

The call to revival is not just for ancient kings or biblical times. It's a clarion call for each of us today. We stand at a crossroads, much like Josiah did. Will we choose to seek God wholeheartedly, to tear down the idols in our lives, and to let His Word ignite a fire within us that cannot be extinguished?

The promise of renewal is available to all who are willing to humble themselves before God. It starts with a simple prayer: "Lord, repair the temple of my heart. Rekindle my passion for Your Word. Show me the areas where I've allowed other things to take Your rightful place. Give me the courage to make the necessary changes, no matter how difficult they may be."

As we embark on this journey of spiritual revival, let's remember that it's not about perfection, but progress. It's about daily choosing to seek God above all else, to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

May we, like Josiah, be known as a generation that sought after God, that tore down idols, and that experienced the transformative power of His Word. Let the revival begin – in our hearts, in our homes, and in our communities. The time is now. Will you answer the call?