In the workplace, my workmate once asked me as she saw me studying the bible with my notes, “Have you completed reading the whole bible?” I was reluctant to answer, yet instead said, “Yes, it’s important to read it every day.”
Then I pondered, there are days when I read the bible not because I’m hungry or thirsty of God’s Word but because I’m afraid of God. Like, if I would not read His Word, I might displease Him. I realized by thinking like this, I’m becoming religious.
Today, while I was reviewing my notes, I happened to read Joshua 1:8,
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe t do according to all that is written in it. For then, you will make your way prosperous, and then will have a good success.”
While I’m meditating on this verse, a memory from the past resurface of how I first time read the Word of God due to hunger and thirst of God…that as a result I was able to complete the whole bible for more or less two weeks. And, I experienced Jesus, met Him, gave my life to Him and baptized by the Holy Spirit by just reading the Word of God.
I was humbled when in those times of dark moments, of depression, frustration, brokenness and I was seeking God, He rescued me. He used someone, from long distance, who phoned to encourage me to start reading the bible cover to cover—which had changed my life drastically.
If I could look back on those dark chapters of my life—me as with no direction, no purpose in life, without joy though got the luxuries of life. . .like “What is it for man if he gains the whole world yet losses his soul?”, it brings assurance to me that my GOD watches us. Unlike earthly fathers who may abandon their children, God, our Heavenly Father, would never forsake us.
Those dark moments were also the times when I was so eager to find Christ, to know Him and to have a relationship with Him. It was so good to reminisce when Jesus was present at every storm of your life, that He became the light when the world gets dark, and darker…yet He is more real. His presence was more real than the things around you. That you can’t think of anything but Him. That your focus was on Jesus because you were madly in love with Him.
However, how about now? Everything is smooth. How’s my love to Him? I’m checking my heartbeat. I believe He is giving me rest. I run here and there, trying to do, do and do, and forgot that He wants me to be, be and be.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, create in me a pure heart. Renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Forgive me in times I neglect Your voice.
Forgive me in times I try to control my situations.
Forgive me in times I do my own thing without asking your help or guidance.
Forgive me in times I worry, forgetting that worry is a sin—thus doubting that you are ABLE, GREAT, MIGHTY TO SAVE.
Forgive me in times I’m impatient, thus manipulating Your timing.
I realize that waiting benefits us so much! That is cleans, purifies, purges, renews, strengthens and transforms us to be like You. Thank you Lord Jesus for your great LOVE.
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