I have been reminded lately about the fact that the spiritual disciplines are termed “disciplines” because they are habits which are being established and are not always exciting. Everytime you crack open the Bible angels don’t sing, fire doesn’t fall, and a mighty wind doesn’t blow. In fact, none of those things has ever happened to me before. But you get my point (don’t you?).
At times the text that I read in Scripture is alive and penetrating and stirs my heart. I discover something amazing about God, His kingdom, or myself. And many other times I am reminded of long forgotten truth that is foundational to my life. But there are times when the words seem dull and colorless. I don’t mean to sound disrespectful, but sometimes God’s Word isn’t very exciting. And because nothing bowls me over, I have little to write about in my journal, and much less to share in comments on this blog.
Nevertheless, I must press on for several reasons:
- I know that eventually I will be stirred again by what I read.
- I know that consistent attention to the Bible will slowly mold my thoughts, my attitudes, my words, my actions, and my life.
- I know God’s Word holds power that, while not under my control, is still actively accomplishing God’s purposes.
the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
- Hebrews 4:12
as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
- Isaiah 55:10-11
