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| Photo links to a great article on this subject. I encourage you to read it! |
Sometimes I feel like Paul when he says, "For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do." ~Romans 7:15.
Basically: why can't I just get my act together and do what I'm supposed to be doing instead of doing stupid things that don't matter so much?
That's how I feel about how I've been spending some of my time lately.
Why do I choose to read other books or blogs when I've got God's Living Word sitting right here handy, waiting for me to pick it up and be fed? Don't look so shocked---I know I'm not the only one.
I talk to God all day long. Prayer time is not a problem. I talk to him in my head, I whisper little prayers as I go about my day---sometimes I even assign someone to watch the babies so I can go into my room and pray for something heavy on my heart. I'm not really concerned about the relationship issue.
What I am concerned about is the growing issue. I need good food to grow healthy and strong. I need God's Holy Word to help shape and guide my actions and reactions. Why do I choose almost anything to read over reading God's Word?
I wish I had some kind of encouraging answer to this question...but I don't. What I do know is that reading the Bible is a privilege. Did you know that only 1/3 of the world's languages have a Bible and, of those, only 6% have the entire Bible?
Are you into scary statistics? How about this one: a full 80% of Protestant's say they don't read the Bible daily. Well, at least I'm not alone.
To be honest, I don't think reading the Bible every day is one's sure-fire ticket to Heaven. I know that God knows I have a lot going on---He gave me 10 other people to look after 24/7. I truly think He's ok with me foregoing my daily Bible study to crash into bed, now and then, after a super crazy day.
However, I can't help but feel His disappointment when I choose the writings of another over His own. Before I indulge in another chapter of my novel tonight, I think I'll go be fed by the life-giving Word of God!
*Note: while looking for a photo for this article, I came across another article on the subject. She's a little more encouraging than me today---you should check it out!
Linking with:
Inspiration Friday @ Dear Creatives
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Farm Girl Friday @ Let This Mind Be In You
Fit & Frugal Family Friday
Linking with:
Inspiration Friday @ Dear Creatives
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Farm Girl Friday @ Let This Mind Be In You
Fit & Frugal Family Friday
Hi Sarah, I have felt like this, too. I've always loved reading the bible but, somehow, I couldn't get into a consistent reading pattern. I also wanted to read through the whole bible from start to finish but I never got past Dueteronomy.
ReplyDeleteLast October, I heard about bible reading plans online and I downloaded an app for my iPad. I started the bible-in-a-year plan and, at last, I'm sticking to a daily reading program. It's been so exciting to read like this and watch God's plan unfold from the beginning. I've learnt so much.
I'm not sure if an online plan is right for you but, if so, here's the link: https://www.youversion.com/en-GB/reading-plans
God bless:-)
I did well when my older boys napped because that was my designated Bible time. Then...they quit napping. And so the story goes...you're not alone. When I can't read, I at least try to read a daily devotion or something. I don't get any reading time. I've been trying to get through the book about raising boys FOREVER! I think the fact that it's nagging at you tells you where your heart is. :) It's not a malicious act. Maybe your reading time has to be like mine right now--to the little people in our lives. We try to pick a verse and discuss it. But no, you're not alone. You're probably feeling what most moms do. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are most certainly not alone! :) I've had almost your exact same thoughts and exact same struggles... and they continue daily. I am so thankful for the Lord's mercy and that every time I come crawling back He takes me and lets me try again.
ReplyDeleteMy personal goal is to not let myself even turn on the computer if my Bible hasn't been opened yet that day. Sometimes this is quite the challenge and sometimes I fail, but I'm not going to give up. To God be the glory.
Thanks for sharing your heart. :)
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