And He humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, that He might make you realize that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Listen, then, O Israel. Commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Moses, Deuteronomy 8, 11

If you don’t fill your mind with the Word of God, the enemy will fill it with fear, anxiety, stress, worry, temptation, and other sins of the flesh (Note 1). To be able to wield the sword of God’s Word at the least temptation, question, or uncertainty is surrendered abiding and a gift of God’s hesed love (Note 2). It gives rise to the peace that surpasses all understanding (Note 3).

Note 1: Adapted, J. C. Ryle (1816 – 1900)

Note 2: Hesed (Hebrew), there is love, and there is hesed love. Hesed love is an unconditional extravagant love, the compulsion to give and to love without limit those who have no merit. Hesed love is an expression of compassion, mercy, faithfulness, and love impelled by a free-willed decision and not by obligation. Hesed is a defining characteristic of God linked to His compassion and graciousness. It is expressed in His willingness to forgive wrongdoing and to take upon Himself the sin, rebellion, and transgressions of His people.

Note 3: And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 NASB 2020