For The Joy of It

image by Getty

Have you ever stood by the ocean, gazing out beyond the crashing waves to the distant horizon? Have you sat by a crackling fire, feeling its warmth and relaxing in the comfort it brings? Has the simple pleasure of watching a sleeping infant ever filled your heart with such unexpected joy that tears formed in your eyes? These things and so many more are blessings from our Father. We do them, because we find joy in them. The reading of God’s Word is also a blessing. However, I think it’s safe to say that reading the Bible often gets relegated to little snippets here or there, or fit in between other “tasks” to be completed in our day. But, why does that happen? Many of us love reading in general. We subscribe to book clubs, magazines, newspapers and blogs. But when it comes to reading the Scriptures, we often put it last, thinking of it as something we have to do, or should do…not something we want to do. How can we change that attitude? First, we need to understand what God has for us within its pages.

Comprised of sixty-six books in the Old and New Testaments, the Bible is the infallible Word of God. In it we read of God’s redemptive love and grace. His words guide us, lead us and give us hope. Through it God gives us the tools necessary to face any situation that comes our way. It is full of action, intrigue, beautiful poetry, colorful personalities and drama. And through it all, we are exposed to the very character of God. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

God desires a relationship with us. He loves us deeply and created His Book to teach us and draw us closer to Him. That is also my desire – to be closer to Him. And what better way is there than by connecting with Him through His Word? “Jesus answered, ‘Whoever loves me will keep my Word. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever doesn’t love me doesn’t keep my words. The word that you hear isn’t mine. It is the word of the Father who sent me’” (John 14:23-24). I don’t want to take this wonderful privilege for granted. And so, as part of “Going Deeper” with Him, I’m jumping into His Word with enthusiasm. After all, I often spend hours with those I love, doing nothing except keeping company with them simply for the pure enjoyment of it. Why not, then, spend more time with Him? We can do this through Bible studies, daily reading, memorization of the Scriptures and simply opening His Book and enjoying His words. As I reach for my Bible each morning, I am remembering that His Word is living and active. I am excited to hear what He has to say to me as I read, study and meditate upon the Scriptures. It is a joy to know that our Creator loves us and wants us to know Him! And so, I’m reading His Word simply for the joy of it.

 Going Deeper,

 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

You can read more of Joan’s devotionals by visiting her site, The Beauty in His Grip.