When I was a little girl, I loved to go with my dad to his office. He sat behind a desk heaped high with books. Sometimes I’d draw quietly on the carpet near him. Other times I’d play with the toys in a nearby nursery room.
After working for a while, he’d take a break, and along with his good friend and fellow minister, Jay, we would walk together to the gas station nearby. They would get that pungent gas station coffee. And I would choose fluffy Hostess sno-balls or twinkies. They were the very height of luxury and delight to a little girl.
I cherish the feeling of the memory – but the thought of consuming one of those twinkies now makes me cringe. They no longer hold the same appeal! I am older now. My tastes have changed and so has my perspective.
Bible study is a little like that. As we grow older, we realize more and more that though some things might be “fun,” reading our Bible brings a deeper, longer lasting reward. The prophet, Jeremiah, says it like this,
When your words came, I ate them;
they were my joy and my heart’s delight,
for I bear your name,
Lord God Almighty. ~ Jeremiah 15:16
Bible study isn’t some little hostess twinkie of calories and delight. It breaks open my heart. It speaks truth to my soul. It pours the balm of Gilead over all my wounds. The Psalmist tells us that
The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
~ Psalm 19:7-11
In Bible study we find not a short burst of energy but life sustaining manna that can carry us through the mountains, valleys, and wildernesses of our lives. May we each learn to drink deeply of the water found in His word:
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” ~ John 4:13-14
Image by WikimediaImages from Pixabay
Wattsup With Kids 