There is not a problem that doesn't find it's answer in God. If we aren't reading His word diligently, not devotionals, not self-help books, just God's Word.
God's word is like the diagnosis we need when we've just been applying Band-Aids and hoping for the best.
God's word reveals himself to us. Stop right now and realize how thankful we should be that He wants to reveal Himself to us at all. Why He wants to talk to me I don't understand, but I will embrace that it is true and be thankful for it always.
God's word also reveals our own hearts. My heart is one of the things that needs diagnosing.
It's a mystery, even to me. But my heart, it's not a mystery to God, not even a little.
Without God's word we don't know who He is or who we are.
For the word of God is active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (italics mine)
God's word is active.
It keeps up with generations and doesn't get our of date or become irrelevant. It understands the thoughts and intentions of my heart. So even when my own heart is a mystery to me, God can explain it.
So, why do we ignore it?
Why do we settle for tidbits of it. We may say it's about time and never having enough, but if you can watch any tv at all, exercise, or eat, or a million other little things, then we are lying to ourselves about time.
The truth is, if we want to make God's word a habit, we will.
I'm determining that I am going to steep in it. Yep, like a good cup of tea, I am immersing myself in more of God's word until it colors and flavors me.
Steep your life in Go-reality, God-initiative, God-Provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Matt 6:33-34 MSG
This isn't just about reading through the Bible. My problem with reading through the Bible in a year is that I am tempted to read for completion.
I've got to take it in, not just read it through. That's the key. Sit in it. Re-read it. Chew on it.
"Instead you thrill to God's word, you chew on Scripture day and night." Psalm 1:3 MSG
If I am going to digest any of the truth I am taking in and actually be nourished by it, I have to chew on it day and night. I have to take smaller bites sometimes so that I can really taste and digest it.
Do you want to know God better? Do you want to hear His voice? Know His direction? Remember His love?
Read. Your. Bible.
A good cup of tea takes time. So does reading the Bible and knowing it. Both are worth it.
I know you won't disagree with me, but will you do something about it?