Most people I know, including myself, often feel we should spend more personal time with God in our bibles. But then, sometimes I think God really doesn’t want us to read our bibles. Just “doing” the deed isn’t what it’s all about. Amos makes that clear when he speaks for God in judgment about the hypocrisy in all the religious observances taking place is Judah, when the people’s hearts are far from Him. He doesn’t want an external display of righteousness, He really wants our hearts. Jesus also explained that we can find who or what has our heart by simply recognize what we “treasure” most. He said, “where your treasure is, that’s where your heart will be.”
When we approach God’s word as approach another item on our “to do” list it doesn’t please Him. It doesn’t please my wife for me to give her flowers and tell her how much she means to me if she has to cajole me or if I’m responding to what I feel is an obligation. My wife really wants me to “WANT TO.” God also doesn’t want me to spend time with him, illustrating how much He means to us, He wants us to “Want to.” In Joel he calls for the people to “rend their hearts and not their garments.” Our prayer should be, “Lord, change my heart, adjust my delights. Give me a stronger passion and love for you so that the moments I find with you are my greatest joys.”
Wouldn’t you truly want to find your greatest treasure in God’s Word? I want to be like the Psalmist who writes Psalm 119. He seems to understand that it’s a heart issue, not a performance measurement. Verses 13 & 14 say, “I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.”
May we find fulfillment, life, meaning and purpose through a closer intimacy with God through His Word.
Chuck
“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)