Going Deeper Part II: Time in God’s Word

Have you ever read a juicy love letter? I’m not talking ’50 shades of no-thanks’…..I’m talking Jane Austin-esq swoon worthy, butterflies-are-soaring in your middle kind of love letter. The type of letter that makes you wish, wait, want and hope that someone sees & adores you with a love that will last the ages. A good love letter doesn’t make us swoon over fancy penmanship, or the caliber of paper used……it isn’t even just the words used is it? It’s the intention, the person, and the love that has been inscribed for us IN the love letter. It’s the heart of the author that is revealed from writer to recipient. Their heart has been put on the line, made vulnerable and asks, no begs, the question to the response: “I love you this (insert juicy love letter) much! Is it possible you feel the same way too?”

There are many different ways we can read God’s word. It’s instruction. It’s history. It’s a lifeline. It’s a map for our faith, and it’s a supernatural scalpel removing sin from us in the piercing conviction the Word holds. BUT, it is also a love letter. (And a juicy one at that!)

If we want to get to know God, and go deeper in his heart, we have to learn the heart of the author not simply read his words. 

Now I’m not saying this has to be the only way you read God’s word, but it helps when we read  Scripture to keep this in mind. God wants us know his word, but he also wants us to know HIM through reading his word. 

Since Jesus is the perfect image of the God, let’s start there. What does reading about the life of the Son, teach us about the heart of the Father? 

Jesus was a friend of sinners (Matt. 9:10-14)

Jesus understands our weakness (Heb. 4:14-16)

Jesus cried with those who cried (John 11:30-35)

Jesus had compassion (Matt. 14:13-14)

Jesus poured himself out to redeem and rescue us (Romans 5:6-11)

Those passages you just read? They scream LOVE LETTER, friend. 

However, sometimes reality steps in and we get distracted don’t we? I’m just as guilty as the next person when it comes to reading the Bible and letting my eyes fly across the page, trying to fulfill a duty or obligation. But one of the best remedies for that is a simple prayer as we open the pages of the Word:

“God open up my eyes, illuminate my heart and reveal your character and heart to me as I read” 

Ask him to teach you about himself. Press in to know more of God’s desires and truth. Pray for a deeper understanding of his Word, of his love for you, and his love for the world around you. 

And then? 

Let the Word do its work. As you read thank God for what he reveals. When your heart is convicted of sin, repent. When you have a revelation write it down like the treasure that it is. Whatever discovery that God shows you, use it as a springboard to deepening your love for him and then TELL HIM. 

It might sound a little corny but it’s true- the Bible is an epic love letter of God’s love and pursuit of us. As he reveals himself through the Word, it is our invitation to respond. 

He loves you this (insert juicy Bible, yep I went there) much. Is it possible you feel the same way too?

With love, 

Joy