The Journey Matters

The Journey Matters

I have heard many Christians express, “I need to read God’s word more.”  Although we recognize the importance of reading the Bible, the truth is that continual, engaged reading and study of it often escapes us.  And we have numerous reasons why this happens. 

“I just didn’t remember today.”

“I am too tired.”

“I ran out of time.”

I could go on and on, but you already know them.  Like me, you may have said them yourself.  The problem is that one day turns into two, which then turns into a week, and before you know it, several months have gone by, and the only biblical reading in your life has been limited to Sunday. 

Allow me to propose one more potential reason, although it may be difficult to hear.  Is it possible that, deep down, many of us simply don’t enjoy it and therefore really don’t want to engage in regular Bible reading?  Reread the phrase in the first sentence of this post and pay attention to one key word. 

“I NEED to read God’s word more.”

While needs and wants are not mutually exclusive, we commonly identify something as a “need” when it is something that we know is important, but not overly enjoyable.

I need to go to the dentist.

I need to wait in line at the DMV. 

I need to exercise.

Too often, Bible reading is viewed as a daily task that is to be accomplished.  Is it possible to change our frame of mind?  If so, could we create a want that will only be filled through quiet and peaceful study of our Father’s word as opposed to a mark on a checklist?  I believe very strongly that is God’s aim.

Bible reading is about the journey.  The reasons we choose to read are numerous, yet none fully expresses the purpose in reading the scriptures.  Sometimes we read to know what to do in life.  Sometimes we read to add to our knowledge of His word.  That’s great, but God did not provide His word as a list of actions to do or avoid.  He could have, but He didn’t.  Bible study is more than just facts. If God wanted us to know a few facts, our Bibles would be much smaller.  Instead, he gave us a story.

“In the beginning, God…” (Genesis 1.1).  The Bible reveals God in the context of His interaction with His creation – whom He dearly loves.  As Christians, it is the story of our Father that He left for us.  Bible reading is so much more than advice organized in a “how to” list.  It is about learning.  However, it also appears that God felt consistent, habitual reading was necessary.  It is not just about facts; it is about the journey that we spend with our Father in His word.  This is also the reason that spiritual one-liners on social media, although nice, are insufficient.  If we are to truly grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, then persistent interaction with God’s word, and consequently, Him, is necessary.  Hopefully, seen through this lens, we begin to WANT it as well as NEED it.  Since this topic is much too large for one post, stay tuned for lessons that help create this desire.