(pictured, our church building)
My husband's sermon title yesterday morning was the title of this post. The text was Psalm 119:9-16. Psalm 119 is noted as being the longest chapter in the Bible. It is quite fitting that this chapter's theme is the Bible itself!
Psalm 119:14 reads, "I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches." David is referring to God's Word as "thy testimonies". King David was obviously a wealthy man by the world's standards. He said that he was just as happy with God's Word as he was with all riches. When I think of the Bible, do I rejoice in it? I would certainly rejoice if someone handed me a bag filled with gold or precious jewels. I should receive as much happiness from meditating on God's Word as I would from receiving great worldly riches. Why isn't the Bible as precious to us as material possessions or worldy activities? My dear husband covered the following points in his message.
4 Reasons People Do Not Read the Bible
1) It disturbs your routine.
2) It damages your pride.
3) It declares salvation.
4) It demands obedience.
When I neglect spending time getting deeper in Bible study, it is usually do to reason #1. It disturbs my routine. As a homeschooling, stay-at-home wife and mommy my days are very busy. I have a daily schedule that I follow that includes spending time daily in the Word and having a dedicated prayer time. However, I spend time on other things during the day (this blog, for instance), that are not as beneficial to me as getting deeper in my Bible. These other activities are not bad in and of themselves, but are they helping me to be a stronger Chrisitan? Are they going to lift me up and encourage me when I go through difficult times?
My spirit was convicted when I contemplated my joy in God's Word. I am thankful that God has preserved His Word. I have been challenged to spend more time in deeper study. Do any of the above reasons apply to you? I want to encourage you to read Psalm 119 and meditate on it.
