We have spent much of the last few weeks with an inversion in the Treasure Valley, which means bitter cold, damp fog and no sunshine for days on end. The colder air is trapped in the valley by the warmer air above it. If you travel a little way, about 1000 feet higher, the sun is shining and warmer temperatures abound. It’s the one part of living here that I hate. It happens almost every December and/or January. Sometimes it lasts for weeks.
Going weeks without sunshine really depletes my good cheer. In other words, I get a bit grumpy. I like light.
I realized this morning that I’ve gone weeks without reading my Bible. I’ve been in the Scriptures looking up verses for messages and devotions. I’ve studied some, but I have been busy, or distracted, and haven’t picked up my Bible just to read. I’m finding that without that daily Sonshine my spirit has become a bit depleted as well. My prayer life has suffered, my praise and worship has been lacking.
I was reading a commentator who said we should be studying our Bibles, not reading them. I both agree and disagree with that. Yes, we should be studying our Bibles, delving into original words and meanings, into the culture of the day, understanding the problems that prompted the writing of the letters, etc. That is vitally important to our understanding and growth.
But I also think we should just be reading. The Scriptures are God’s voice to us. Reading is one way we listen to His voice. For me reading causes my spirit to swell with praise and worship. Hearing God speak to me personally through His Word, powers my prayers and refreshes my thoughts. I fall in love again with our great and wonderful God.
Lord, open my eyes and ears as I read your Word – let me receive Your words into my heart. Amen.
