Good morning friends. It has again been some time since I written in this blog, but I was waiting for something truly important to say, I suppose. As I sat in our Sunday School class (called an MBC @ our church) a few weeks ago, our leader was discussing how we all know we must be in prayer and we must be in God's Word to be connected to Him; to know Him. But, as he so bluntly put it, "Are we?" Yes, we all know that the only way to know God, to understand Him (even in our limited humanity) to grasp His will is to read His Word. Why so often then, do we find ourselves struggling to commit to daily (or more than daily) reading?
I have struggled with this often. When I was a new believer, just about 7 years ago, the Word seemed alive to me. There weren't enough Bible Studies I could join, or discussions to get into. I couldn't wait to dive in and see what God had for me. Lately, I have struggled greatly with my devotional life, to use a good ole Christian-ese saying; in plain English...My Bible was going to church with me, to Bible Study with me and that was it. It didn't see the light of day at all during the week. Now, I will admit that this is an embarrassing fact to admit for a woman who "prides" herself on listening to Christian music, reading the Bible to her kids, and owning every Veggie Tales movie out there to ensure the kids are getting "good" entertainment.
Lately, I have been unable to sleep. Today, I finally feel like I got some clarity on why. God has been stirring me. He desires me. He wants me to know Him. I need Him desperately, and in the busyness of my days, I have been ignoring Him. The only way to reach me, I suppose was to awaken me in my sleep. I have been ignoring this for several weeks now, to the point where I was considering asking my doctor for sleeping pills. Oh, the Great Physician has revealed to me that my rest is in Him, and that my peace is in Him. I cannot rely on man's knowledge or wisdom, but His alone. I am so very thankful that HE got through to me, as hard headed as I am, this was no easy task, I am sure.
God's Word is rich, deep, amazing and instructional. It is useful for every day. I realized how very practical God is in my reading today. As a woman struggling through weight loss, my reading today (I am using a reading plan) was about intense craving and giving into it. (Numbers 11). I realize my ultimate craving must be for GOD. Weight Loss, Parenting, School, the FRG and all other things hinge completely on my desire for God and my quest to know Him more, and to prayerfully become more like Him.
If you have been struggling to read His Word, to know His will...know that His mercies are new each day. Pick up and start again. I pray that this note will encourage you to get into His Word, not to pride yourself on Christian activity, but to simply and humbly admit that we are but the clay, He is the Potter and we are in progress.
Blessings,
Alicia