Dining with the Word

My father in law (Gary) laughs at how quickly I devour my food. Years of working in the hospitality industry teaches you to eat fast when and where you can. Gary insists he is a diner not an eater. He is usually the last one done with his meal, chewing the last bit of any life out of every bite on his plate. It gives the rest of us time to talk… sometimes for hours (I exaggerate).

Our experience with the Bible (God’s Word) can be similar to our eating habits. One of the many spiritual lessons Terri has taught me is to take time with God’s Word. Don’t rush it. Spend time contemplating what it says. Meditate on its words. Read slowly.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
    and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105 NLT

Early on, attempting to be good believers and faithful Christians we both tried our hand at different reading plans—you know the kind that run you through the Bible in a year—or even 90 days for the Uber-Zealous. Bible study quickly becomes a transaction on a checklist of todos when you do it that way. Guilt and shame creep in ready to bash our faith.

What I’ve learned from the great students of the Bible is that they take their time, like Terri does.

Great students of the Word—and those who walk deeply connected with the Lord through the Holy Spirit—also sit patiently with the Word of God. They take their time mulling over every word, considering every sentence. They dine slowly.

The year is more than half over. You probably quit your reading plan months ago. I’d encourage you to pick up your Bible and open it. Pick a section. Find a passage. Commit to reading it slowly. Really study it. Get to know it. Taste every morsel. Dine on it.

Let me know how you do.

Know you are loved.

Praying for you.

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™