My friend’s call a few days ago left me smiling and excited to see what I could find if I slowed down to think about God more too.
He shared his recent “ah ha” moment about his relationship with the Lord and how he’s currently working out next steps in his faith journey.
His call came two days after a conversation with another friend who described the importance of wrestling with our faith and continually growing, learning and discovering what our life in Jesus looks like at each phase.
Earlier in the year, I ended up in a conversation about reading the Bible daily and how to choose what to read each day.
Beyond the check list
As we chatted, what surfaced for me was no matter how we choose to engage with the Bible, the important thing is to do it — and do it with anticipation.
Several years ago, a mentor helped me understand the difference of a mere discipline of Bible reading, where we are going through the motions to check off a box on our to-do list, and truly engaging.
Reading — or listening — to Scripture with the idea that God has something to show us changes everything.
What does He want me to see, to grasp, to do? What is He teaching me? In what areas do I need to grow and how is He showing me those areas through His Word? Where do I need to change my ways?
How is Christ represented throughout Scripture (Old and New Testament)? Where do I see Him working in my life and in the lives of those around me?
A year or so ago, we launched a new column in The Alabama Baptist called “I See Jesus” and invited readers to send in their experiences, their God glimpses.
Our goal was to encourage each other with all the ways God was moving despite the constant distractions, clutter and chaos in the world around us.
Sadly, we pulled the column after a few months because of lack of interest.
At first, I was discouraged and disappointed in the response. I was even a little shocked that out of tens of thousands of Christ followers who had access to the column, only a handful chose to share how they saw God moving.
Then I realized it was my own personal engagement with God that needed a reboot.
Sure, it’s been 35 years since I fully surrendered my life to Christ — and I’ve experienced a long list of Bible studies, Sunday School classes, small groups and sermons during that time. I’ve had the privilege of learning from and sitting under several dedicated Bible teachers and seminary professors.
But what is God saying to me today through my personal one-on-one engagement with His holy Scripture? And why would I ever want to miss out on what He wants to share with me?
EDITOR’S NOTE — This editorial was written by Jennifer Davis Rash, president and editor-in-chief of TAB Media Group, for her Rashional Thoughts column and will appear in the March 6 edition of The Alabama Baptist newspaper. To subscribe, click here.
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