Getting Glad in God January 7, 2013
Do you have a goal when you read your Bible? I hope youintend to spend a good deal of time this new year reading and pondering theword of God. That’s an outstanding goal, and the benefits to your life will beincalculable if you keep it up through the whole year. But I’m wondering, isthere something you’re hoping to find in your daily Bible reading—someadditional duty, an intriguing biblical fact, an inspiring verse? Or do youjust read to get your reading done?
Here’s a suggestion from George Mueller, the great manof prayer and faith. Mueller wrote in his journal:
The first great and primary business to which I oughtto attend every day was to have my soul happy in the Lord. The first thing tobe concerned about was not, how much I might serve the Lord, how I mightglorify the Lord; but how I might get my soul into a happy state, and how myinner man might be nourished. The most important thing I had to do was to givemyself to the reading of the Word of God and to meditation on it, that thus myheart might be comforted and encouraged. Not the simple reading of the Word ofGod, so that it only passes through our minds, just as water runs through apipe, but considering what we read, pondering over it, and applying it to ourhearts. Formerly, when I rose, I began to pray as soon as possible. But I oftenspent a quarter of an hour to an hour on my knees struggling to pray while mymind wandered. Now I rarely have this problem. As my mind is nourished by thetruth of the Word, I am brought into true fellowship with God. I speak to my Fatherand to my Friend (although I am unworthy) about the things that He has broughtbefore me in His precious Word.
Sohere’s an idea for your morning devotions. Read with a goal in mind. And ratherthan choosing new information or more duties as your goal, choose fresh hope inGod as your goal. Get your soul “happy in the Lord.” Meditate on what you seeof Jesus until your mind opens to see His glory, your heart warms withaffection for Him, and your will bows to His Lordship. Read to be satisfied in God.