“From A Chore to A Joy”
I can still recall my Bible laying on my nightstand, perfectly stacked on top of other books with an intention of reading more. I knew the message inside the big leather-bound book, a message of encouragement, wisdom and conviction. That last word is what usually got me-conviction. I had a relationship with God, a long standing one, but when I envisioned Him, I saw a powerful, all-knowing God that looked down upon me with expectations. Expectations that felt like a scale based off my performance in life and a pressure that felt like One. More. thing. To. Work. On. A feeling of ‘could’ve, would’ve, should’ve’ lingered in my mind and left Christianity exhausting to me. I wanted to live an honorable life, who doesn’t? We all desire to be ‘good’, live with integrity, be kind, etc., but everything seemed to point back to a self-help, ‘do better’ mindset. So, choosing to read my Bible usually landed in two categories-recharge myself to ‘do better’ or counteract the mistakes I had made. Therefore, reading my Bible usually felt like a dutiful chore I guilted myself into.
Fast forward in life to arrive in parent land where small humans make you evaluate yourself in the mirror more than you’d like. The pressure to guide them emotionally and spiritually will leave even the strongest doubtful of their capabilities. It was during this season that a friend mentioned a Bible reading program that guided you to read the Bible in its entirety and search for God’s character. Look for God’s character…seems like a given, but wasn’t for me. I rarely took note of ‘who’ He was in Scripture. I would look for where ‘I’ was in the passage, how did it benefit ‘me’, what message was there to help ‘my’ situation. Not that the bible doesn’t offer application and a direct message to us, but my goal was always a reflection of how it would benefit me and my circumstances.
I decided to approach this new Bible reading plan with its guidelines. First, I was to surrender through prayer my own expectations of this quiet time. Then I was asked to be still, listen and lastly, write a prayer. It felt doable, plus I love a good checklist. So onward I went, day by day, verse by verse I read and wrote. Some days the Scripture made me feel good, refreshed, empowered…other days I closed The Bible thinking what in the Sam Henry did I just read, but over and over I clung to the goal to search for God’s character.
Slowly, but surely my framework was dismantled, and the cornerstone was built. God’s Word became alive to me. Those tiny words were no longer black ink neatly printed within a book; they were the breath of life from the Creator of Life. His message of acceptance for us through Jesus anchored my fleeting thoughts and gave me joy and strength through Him. Reading through His Story revealed His goodness, His faithfulness, His Holiness and His plan. Every day became a day filled with a purpose to share the joy of Christianity with a world that feels stricken by tasks. My view of God was no longer distant, and expectation driven; it was trustworthy, near and welcoming. My Bible became my rest for a busy day ahead. His message offered reassurance when chaos knocked at the door. The verses kept unwanted roots in check and reminded me to follow His Son’s example and the Bible reading program evolved a heart for journaling prayers.
Are you struggling to read God’s Word? Feel bored or guilt stricken by it? Consider opening it again with a prayer to see God in it first. Want a friend to hold you accountable? Email me! I’d love to cheer you on and hear about it!
Click the button below for a great new song by our Louisana native, Lauren Daigle and Aodhan King!
