Pondering God’s sayings in our hearts... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 2:19

Pondering God's sayings in our hearts is more than simply reading a passage from the Bible. To gain knowledge and understanding is more than just studying Scripture. Pondering, thinking over and digesting, is rather a matter for the heart. Whoever considers a passage of Scripture does not think of a lesson for others, but allows the truth to have its effect on himself and develops an evaluation of it correspondingly. It always prompts the question: What is the Lord now saying to me personally?
In many Bible readings, the Scriptures are considered and expounded in their context. The contributions complement each other. This is good, for sound teaching establishes a new a basis for a life that is pleasing to God. But it must not end there. The nourishment from God's Word must be digested. It must touch our hearts and become our possession. This will have a practical effect; we shall thank God for the blessing. Worship Him and, if need be, confess our failings.
To ponder and allow the Word to have its effect, we need time and quiet. Whether morning or evening, on a walk, after a meal, or before bedtime is not decisive. The Lord is not confined to space or time. He is always there. But it is important that we seek Him in quietness.
We must not lose our appreciation of God's thoughts. Then His Word will make us extremely happy; it will strengthen our faith and preserve us from the enticement of the world and the devil.
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 9;10:1-5