What's the Point?

I have a confession to make. There are times, when mid-week rolls around and I try to produce a devotional thought for this blog, I cannot help but think, “What’s the point?  Does anyone even read it?”  Whether or not this is actually true I have no way of knowing.  Obviously, I hope that at least a few people do take the time to read or at least skim through it.  More than stories waxing poetically about my beloved old car, there is a genuine attempt to bring the Word of God into the daily routines and happenstances of our lives.  Every scenario and situation of life can be a teachable moment if we just still ourselves long enough to consider what God might be telling or showing us. Plus, no matter who you are, the occasional spiritual pep-talk helps ground us in the fact that God is with us.  Even still, on occasion, when it is time to type, all I can pessimistically think of is “What’s the point?”
 
The irony of my thinking really hit me one morning while reading the Bible.  The moaning and groaning I do over unverified neglect towards a simple church newsletter or blog pales in comparison to the obvious and undeniable neglect of a publication far greater than the meanderings of this site. Consider the scriptures—the Holy Bible.  No question this is a compilation of writings that regularly goes unappreciated and unused.  You and I are no exception to that.  How often do our Bibles sit on the shelves collecting dust while we read different magazines, supposed self-help books, and scroll through social media feeds?  More than we care to admit, we fail to read it.  We shrug off the treasures it possesses and roll our eyes at the timeless counsel it provides. Can you imagine God thinking to Himself—“What’s the point of giving them my Word if they don’t use it.  They don’t read it.  They don’t do what it says.  I’m not even sure they care about its existence.  So what’s the point?”  Here God gives us direction and instruction for our benefit, details His immense love for us in Jesus, and so much more. But like a stubborn old geezer, we refuse the very prescribed medication that treats every form of hopeless and slows every sign of despair.
 
Fortunately, God’s patience goes right alongside His probable frustration.  Despite our tendency to shun it—the Word of God stands true and steadfast… throughout time and over all history.  It is always there for us.  “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8).  God has given us His holy Word—full of promises, strength, encouragement, and so much more.  It is indeed a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.  “For everything that was written… was to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)  And God has put so much more into His Word than just a few painful writer’s block moments at a keyboard.  Sweat.  Blood.  Sacrifice.  God put His life on the line for this Book, His Word to you and me.  He has given us a wealth of information regarding all that He has done for us. So crack the good book.  Dust it off and turn the pages.  This summer, as you are basking in the sun or sitting beachside or on a boat in the middle of the lake—crack the book. Or use your phone--yes, there is an app for this too! Whatever form it takes, actually read the Bible.  You don’t have to go cover-to-cover.  But read the goods that God gives you.  Explore the depths of His great love for you.  Discover the many ways in which He desires to teach and grow you in faith and in faithful living toward Him.  Happy reading!

“A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't.” (Charles Spurgeon)