This morning was the first time in a while that I have felt really compelled to read the Word. Honestly that is not something I have been spending a lot of time doing as of late. I hate doing things just because I feel like I should, but do not feel it come from within me. It feels forced, like I am trying to make myself be 'disciplined' to read, and I feel guilty because I end up skimming over the lines and don't remember half of what I read. It is usually fruitless, because I am not really involved in it.
I think we often turn to the Bible when our faith seems stagnant or when we feel like we do not know the Lord. I was thinking about that this morning, as it also came up in a conversation with someone just last night. I know that the Lord uses Scripture to reveal Himself and that is one way we get to know Him. But the problem is that just reading words on a page does not make us know Him. We can learn facts about Him, but we have not encountered Him by any means. There is something that needs to happen from within us to actually know who He is. A response perhaps? A conversation?
I think you can spend a lot of time learning about someone, but until they show you who they really are, we will never really know them. Think about it, if we go to the Lord because we feel obligated or guilty for not talking to Him, how open is He really going to be with us? Would you share intimate details of your life with someone who always avoids talking about their own life? Would you want to show someone who you really are if they are barely listening to you? Or what about with someone who is only in a relationship with you for what they can get out of it?
Thankfully, the Lord is not quite like us. And He is very gracious and kind when we DO come before Him with sincere hearts to know Him. He is faithful to reveal Himself when we truly open our hearts to Him, when we are vulnerable with who we are to Him, when we wait patiently for Him to speak, and listen to His words. Sometimes it does take a sacrifice and a discipline for us to really sit down and focus on the Lord. But I think He gets really excited when we come to Him because we really want to know Him. Don't you get excited when someone calls you just because they want to know how you are doing?
This morning was precious, because I know I was open to what He had to say and ready to ask questions. The conversation left me wanting more, and I am excited for the next time we talk. It is not just going through the motions of what I 'should' be doing, but a longing to know Him more personally and being actively involved in a relationship with Him.
Do you have trouble feeling connected to the Lord? Is it difficult for you to get into reading the Bible on a regular basis? Do you think your attitude toward reading the Bible has hindered you from really encountering the Lord?
Comments (1)
I couldn't read this and not comment. First of all, I love your background! Second, I find myself not wanting to read the BIble much too often. But if I have a Bible AND an empty page, then it is a joy. :) Not sure why, but if I read it, I have to write about it or I feel like I am just going through meaningless motions. :)