Have you ever sat down to read the Bible and felt like you were trying to force something to happen? I have. I've opened my Bible before and prayed, "God, I need a word from You today." Then, I closed my eyes, twirled my finger around and landed on a scripture hoping it would be exactly what I needed. But then, it ends up being something obscure that has nothing to do with my circumstances!
We've all been there, trying to so hard to make a connection with God and sometimes ending up frustrated. God doesn't want His Word to make us feel pressure; He wants His Word to make us feel light and free. He doesn't want us to come to Him feeling stressed; He wants us to come to Him feeling blessed and knowing that His Word is making a difference in our lives beyond what we may feel in the moment.
God's Word is more than an instruction manual. It's not just a list of do's and don'ts. His Word is a love letter! When we read it, His love empowers us and deposits His strength into us. That's because His word is alive and will change your life! It's a seed that, when planted in your heart, yields an abundant harvest of righteousness.
All scripture is God-breathed. When we open it to read it, we have to know that God is breathing His life into us. He is refreshing our spirits and directing our paths. Think about this: John chapter one says that the Word became flesh and walked among us. When you open the Bible, let your prayer be, "Lord, let Your Word walk in me. Let Your Word become alive in me. Let it lead me and guide me in every area of my life." Then realize that when you are finished reading and close the book, His power doesn't stop working. Just like a seed in the ground continues to root and grow even when we can't see it, God's Word is growing in you even when you can't see it. Faith is rising in you, and you are being transformed. Don't ever feel intimidated by the Word of God. Don't run from the Bible, run to the Bible and receive His love because God wants to do something great in you!
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
