A crunch sounded and dust rose with each footfall. The plants were yellow except for two lush patches sporting green. The crops that had stayed watered due to elevation changes were thriving. They looked inviting and caught my eye, standing out among the parched patches.
Just like Christians who are challenged to stay planted in the Living Water. Not that any believer is ever perfect, but I know I feel much closer to God when I stay rooted in His word. For me, that means reading Scripture almost daily. Spending time in the Bible. Researching what the passage, author and audience mean. And how to apply what it says.
When my schedule gets off and I miss too many days of spending time in God’s word, I don’t reflect my faith nearly as much.
I might feel more negative, my thoughts are not always Christ-centered, but more me-centered and I would imagine, if I were a plant, I would not be the lush-looking greenery, but the parched, pale specimen, striving toward the sun, but turning brittle where I stand.
Hebrews 4:12 encourages, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” This verse speaks to what readers of the Bible already know: Scripture can convict, teach, encourage and instruct.
2 Timothy 3:16 lets me know I can trust God’s word and take it at face-value. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
The word “inspiration” means God-breathed. Inspiration in healthcare means to inhale, or take a breath in. We can breathe because God created us that way, and because He breathed life into us. Both physically, and spiritually.
I can trust His Word to teach, correct and train me for whatever He has for me to do.
But I must be in His Word for any of this to happen! For me, I know that means not just reading a verse but spending time studying. I need to stay saturated in His word.
Maybe that idea resonates with you, too. But where to start? You could find a Bible Study recommended by a friend, download the Bible App to search some of their reading plans or simply open your Bible and begin reading through a book.
God knows where each of us is, and what He wants to teach us. We only need to discern what He is authoring for us to learn. Will you join me in prayer for just that?
Prayer: Dear Lord, You know what I need to learn right now. Please direct me to study where in Your Word You want me. I want to make a practice of staying saturated in Your Scripture. Please teach me how to do just that. In Jesus’ name, Amen.