Read the Book

Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.

Psalm 119:37 (NLT)

I have a lot of books. I think most pastors do, as we tend to read a lot to keep our knowledge fresh and to broaden our ministry tools. So, I have bookshelves full of books. I have books on shelves above my desk at home. I have books laying on both my desk at home and at the office. I even have books on my tablet. I don’t know the exact count, but hundreds.

Here’s the thing. At any given time, I probably have about a dozen books that haven’t been read. They are sitting there waiting to be read. But, I have to find the time and the motivation to actually pick one up and begin digesting the material. There are times when I can easily read several books in a week. Then there are times when it may take a month or two before I get through a single book. Consistency in my reading is not the best sometimes.

Of course, I can make excuses for not following through on my reading. I’m too busy with this or that. I got a few pages in and it just didn’t interest me. The book was recommended by someone, I didn’t really choose it. Or, I just want to chill and watch a movie. I’ll get to it later.

The sad reality is that these books have a great deal of knowledge, information, and wisdom to help me in my ministry and my walk with God. But, until I pick one up, the knowledge never makes it into my life.

It’s the same when it comes to God’s word. The truth is that most Christians never actually pick it up and read it for themselves. Even though the Bible is the number one best-selling book of all time, is generally sits on a shelf, or in a drawer, or is lost behind the couch, and gathers dust. The knowledge contained in those pages gives life. Yet, we don’t make time to take it all in.

As the psalmist penned in our verse today, “Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.” So, what are worthless things? Excuses, lifestyles, hobbies, which pull us away from time with God. Busyness. Work. School. These are all important, but they shouldn’t take the place of quality time getting to know our Savior.

Take time each day reading God’s word. Pick a book of the Bible and just start reading through. Let the knowledge seep into your life. Let the information help you understand who God is, and who you are to Him. Let His promises permeate your soul. Read the book!

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