When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty.
Jeremiah 15:16
We are looking at the furrows that enable joy to flow into our lives. The first and most obvious is His words to us as they come through the bible. We need to read it and we need to read it right. So three important things about reading our bibles.
First we need to consent to what we read and not merely ascent to it. To ascent is a yes to the head, to consent is a yes to the heart. There is a difference for as James tells us, even demons ascent, believe, what is written! (James 2:19).
Secondly we most ask the author questions. If you didn’t understand something in a book and the author was sat next to you, you’d ask them what they meant wouldn’t you? Well the Author is with you when you read by His Spirit. So ask? Ask good questions. The best two are these: What, Lord, does this tell me about you? and What, Lord, does this tell me about people?
Thirdly, and a third question, What, Lord, should I therefore do as a result of reading your word?
Then, and here is an amazing thing, we look for His Power to enable us to do whatever he asks …. but that’s tomorrow’s thought!
Find time today to read a chunk of your bible or take a few verses and take time to chew over them, or even better, do both!