“This God—His way is perfect; the Word of the LORD proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. Psalm 18:30 ESV
Some of my earliest and fondest memories include the many times Momma read to me. I loved Bible stories, fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and children’s storybooks – the stories and their illustrations enthralled, enchanted, delighted, and set my imagination on fire.
I was off to the reading races once I mastered converting my A-B-Cs into meaningful words! I read everything I could get my hands on.
My first visit to the local library overwhelmed me. I remember holding that official library card like the key to a vast treasure-filled vault. It was for me! In the summer between first and second grade, I read over 200 (children’s) books and won a certificate of recognition for my efforts. My lifelong passion for reading had begun.
There were periods during those awkward growing-up years when books were my best friends. Today, real hold-in-your-hand-and-turn-the-actual-paper-page books continue to be my friendly, informative, encouraging, teaching, and enjoyable companions, whether we have only minutes for a quick chat or hours of warm and friendly conversation.
My love and appreciation for the written word soared to a new level when I began writing. Could it get any better than this?!
As a matter of fact, yes, it could.
Since becoming involved in writers’ groups, training seminars, and conferences, I have met the most remarkable people – writers and storytellers. Whether they write fiction, memoirs, non-fiction, Bible studies, or devotionals, knowing the person behind the writing has exponentially added to my appreciation and understanding of the words they write.
When I read the work of someone I know, their personality, character, beliefs, backstory, and voice color my perspective and influence how I read their writing. I see their face and hear their voice as I read their words. I can connect more easily with their writing. It brings a new sort of joy to the reading experience.
I am blessed to frequently have the opportunity to talk with, encourage, and challenge people (primarily women) about the importance of intentional, meaningful time in the Word of God.
The more conversations I have, the clearer it is to see the direct correlation between an individual’s relationship with God and the effectiveness of that person’s Bible reading.
When we read God’s Word with the insight and knowledge that comes from having a personal and direct relationship with the Author, the depth of our understanding and our ability to internalize the message increases exponentially.
It’s like my experience with writer friends or a hand-written note from someone dear to me – the words are more personal and relatable because I know, love, and hear the voices of those speaking in the words they write.
Make no mistake. God’s Word is alive and powerful enough to cut to the core of anyone who picks up the Bible earnestly, looking for hope and answers. Even when the personal relationship with the Father doesn’t yet exist or is in its earliest stages, God’s Holy Spirit can and will speak to the seeker’s heart.
I began reading my Bible regularly in fifth grade because our pastor said we should read our Bible daily. I wanted to be an obedient daughter of God, so I read. I learned a lot and developed a habit that has continued to this day. But the way I read my Bible today is nothing like when I was in the fifth grade.
(My 5th Grade Bible)
Then, I had a child’s relationship with God. I loved and trusted Him wholly and honestly with a child’s love. The relationship was that of a father with his little one. Decades later, the relationship is entirely different.
I’ve experienced God through times of blessings and drought, in mountaintop experiences and crushing times in the valleys, and in seasons of deep sorrow and overflowing joy. God has repeatedly shown his grace, love, patience, and forgiveness when I would have walked away from me if I had been Him. Gracious, loving Father! He has provided when the need seemed insurmountable. He has healed what seemed beyond repair. His love has been unwavering, and His presence is ever near.
Has that changed the way that I read His Word? Absolutely. Every day, the relationship grows deeper. Each day, His voice rings more clearly when I read His Word. Why? Every day, I know the Author a little better than I did the day before.
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of [our] faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 NKJV
Every God experience I’ve ever had has shaped how I read His Word.
Every God experience YOU ever have will shape how you read His Word and how clearly you hear His voice as you read.
The key is growing experientially in your relationship with God. Spiritual growth isn’t simply a mental exercise of acquiring more knowledge. It is an all-out, no-holds-barred, whole-life experience of walking with God moment by moment.
The exciting thing is that it never ends, at least not on this earth. The more you know, the more you grow, and the deeper you EXPERIENCE the presence of the Author of the Living Word, Who is also the Author of your story.
It is a beautifully endless cycle of Knowing, Growing, and Experiencing God.
Are you growing in your knowledge of God?
Is your relationship with God ever expanding and deepening?
Do you hear His voice as you read His Word?
Dear Friend, if your answer isn’t “yes” to those three questions, I encourage you to invest time in getting acquainted with the Author of your personal story and His Holy Word.
“And having been perfected, He [Jesus] became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” Hebrew 5:9 NKJV