I finally sat
down to read my Bible. It was long overdue.
I got caught up
in cleaning, blogging, and meal planning, and my Bible laid forgotten on the
shelf.
“I’ll have more time later.” Well a week later, I decided that maybe I needed to make time NOW.
I opened the crinkly
white pages to Romans 1. I needed a new book. A fresh start.
I tried to
ignore the nagging feeling that gripped my heart. “Read fast! We have work to do.”
It’s hard to
admit, but sometimes I feel like Bible study is wasted time. I let the urgent
things crowd out the important things (because
you know, cleaning the bathroom is urgent?).
But I needed to
read, and I needed to keep reading until my heart slowed down and my brain
engaged the Word. I needed to get lost in the scriptures, so I could rest at
the feet of Jesus.
And I’m long
overdue for some rest.
It didn’t take
long for the words to start jumping off the page, living and active. Even
before I got to the meat of the text, God spoke.
“To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
“Beloved of
God” Cherished. Protected. Provided for.
“Called to
be saints” Chosen. Set Apart. Children of God.
“Grace to
you” Unmerited favor. Forgiveness. Acceptance.
“Peace from
God of Father” Freedom from worry, fear, and empty strivings. REST.
“Oh Lord,
how did you know?”
I needed this reminder. I am loved and chosen. I am called to
live a life full of grace and peace. I was not created to worry, to fear the
unknown, to strive after the things of this world.
I was created to abide in Christ. He is to be my peace, my guide,
and my strength.
These words recorded by the Apostle Paul may have been written
to a group of believers in Rome, but today the Holy Spirit meant them just for
me.
“I am here. I love you. Come and rest
awhile.”
And I thought I had better things to do.
Oh Katherine, how I can relate!
ReplyDeleteI have actually been making it more of a priority to read the Word, but it's been the "hurry up," distracted kind of reading where my mind is completely somewhere else.
Thanks for sharing this and for the reminder!!
I feel the same way! I felt guilty for not spending time in the Word (even though I dearly wanted to) & then when I do take the time to sit down & read, the devil is right there trying to distract me or persuade me that this is futile. I'm not doing enough, so why try, it will never be enough to please God. For a long time I believed those lies & got discouraged because it felt like I wasn't doing it "right". But God has been opening my eyes to these little lies that I get so caught up in and I am ever thankful for it!
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts and thank you for sharing this. It is nice to know I am not alone!
Thank you for this. It was such a blessing to read...and an inspiration to make getting in to the Word a priority. As a mom of littles, I need to keep in mind that my kids will benefit more from a grace-filled mommy than a clean kitchen!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this - I found you from The Better Mom Link up - I often feel the same - going to open the Word now.
ReplyDeleteLearning to take some time for rest as well ... right along with you. Thanks for splashing me with the gentle reminder.
ReplyDeleteI would be delighted to have you share this with our group of moms. Stop by to be encouraged as we have a guest post splashing us all in God's goodness. And as always, I would be crazy honored to have you link up.
Just moms. Sharing our notes. Creating a melody.
http://justsarahdawn.blogspot.com/2013/09/thank-goodness.html