Making time to study and read the bible has never been easy. Distractions and a list of things that need to get done never fail to bombard my mind the moment I decide to open my bible. Maybe this sounds familiar? And yet I know that nothing could be more valuable or more satisfying as spending time with the One who holds my life (not to mention all creation) together with the power of His word. Col. 1:17
Yet I find myself easily tempted to tend to "the seen" rather than tend to "the unseen"- my soul.
But here is what I have learned over the years, as a woman who longs to know God: "Remain steadfast. Keep on keeping on." I cannot tell you how many bible reading plans I have started and didn't quite complete, not to mention bible study workbooks that are half-completed because as a young mom of four babies -there were times naps didn't go as planned or I myself would fall asleep. But looking back my fervor and my longing to know God did not wane; instead I just continued on in my pursuit to know Christ. "He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things." Psalm 107:9
I found that company (accountability) along the way was vital. When other women, other moms were added into my life with a same desire to know God through the study of His word, my spiritual growth accelerated and discipline increased. Less of me and more of God-I'll take that, yes! (Note: the dying to self is usually painful so having company along this road is extremely important!)
And prayer. Calling out to God to change me and to give me a constant longing to know Him, He faithfully answered- and continues to answer today. There have been many times when I have felt that I was a hopeless in the area of disciplined time in my word. But as I grew in knowing God through past investments of time in His word- my soul was reminded that God has given me the Holy Spirit- I am equipped with God's power to change. 2 Tim. 1:7.
As I have grown older, the distractions are still there but much more easily identified for what they are....a distraction from what truly matters most: knowing God and being transformed by His word.
"Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation." 1 Peter 2:2
Together for His glory,
Louise