More than just a spiritual discipline, the habit of setting aside time to read our Bible and pray is a very important habit. It speaks of many things about us.
Investing our time
We usually spend time with things that matter to us. Although we might hate to admit it, we usually spend more time doing unnecessary things as compared to the things that really matter. Some spend more time taking a bath than they do praying. Some spend more time tinkering with their car more frequently than they open their Bible to study it. Doesn't that say something?
Let's check ourselves and see the things that we give our time to, the things that we usually allot time for. Can we simply say that we've been giving more time to God than we do our hobbies?
Honestly speaking, my friends, I am quite guilty of this thing myself. No, I don't go out to spend time for my hobbies, but I do spend more time working on simple house chores and sleeping than I do praying and reading my Bible. And although I do set aside time for my devotions, I realise that if I want to have more of God and less of me in my everyday life, I'll do best to give more quality time to Him than not.
'I wish I could be like them'
I feel envious of some people in the Bible, how they have so much love for the Word of God and His presence. Consider the following verses, and see if you can declare them the same way the speakers did.
"I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word." (Psalm 119:14-16)
"Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end." (Psalm 119:33)
"Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for your regulations are my only hope." (Psalm 119:43)
"I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions. This is how I spend my life: obeying your commandments." (Psalm 119:55-56)
"If your instructions hadn't sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery. I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life. I am yours; rescue me! For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments." (Psalm 119:92-94)
"Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long." (Psalm 119:96)
My friends, can we declare that? This is but from one chapter of the book of Psalms, yet it is so full of love for God's Word, His commands, His personal instructions. Finally, consider what David said in this verse:
"Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever." (Psalm 23:6)
Friends, let's all desire to have more of God and His presence. It's more than just a spiritual discipline to build us up in faith. It's the way we should live.
