Bind These Words

In the book of Deuteronomy, after laying out a beautiful way of life, God instructs us, “You shall write these words of mine in your heart and soul and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and fix them as emblem on your forehead… Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates…”

When I lived in Jamaica, I noticed that some people had used bright colors to paint verses of scripture – often one of the Psalms – over the gates to their fences and over the entryways to their homes.  

It is true that this passage can be taken literally. On special occasions, some faithful Jewish people do wear little boxes containing scripture strapped to their wrists or foreheads. They are called phylacteries.  But, this passage from Deuteronomy may also be interpreted metaphorically. 

We bind the Word of God on our foreheads when we read and study scripture. We bind it on our hearts when we meditate on it, and on our hands when we act upon it. And, we bind it on our doorposts when we make our homes places where God is worshipped and served. 

 Let us pray: Loving and gracious God, we want to put you at the heart and center of our lives. We admit that our days are often busy and full, and it is easy to lose sight of what’s important, what is central, and what is meaningful and fulfilling.  Help us find ways to remember you as we travel through our week. Fill us with your grace and empower us to take hold of the life that is truly life. Amen.