Writer Faith Emily reflects on a year-long decision to lay aside other reading and immerse herself fully in God’s Word. As she shares the spiritual transformation that followed, she invites us to rediscover the life-giving power of being truly “buried” in the Good Book.
Our annual family “Secret Santa” saw a trio of paperback novels come my way. One title in particular grabbed my attention; “Buried in a Good Book”. It seemed a fitting epitaph of my year.
Just over a year ago, whilst meditating God’s clear instruction in Proverbs 4:20-21, to pay constant undivided attention to his word; I pondered why it was that we, on the whole, do the exact opposite. Devouring instead stories full of murder and deceit; newspapers delighting in the worst of mankind; glossy magazine columns glamourising promiscuity and vices. A far cry from the true, honest, just, pure and lovely thoughts we are encouraged to dwell on (Philippians 4:8). Then bemoaning the fact that God is silent and uncaring we wonder why his promise of life and health is absent from our lives.
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Whilst I maintained a fairly consistent ‘daily devotion’, my scriptural reading quota was a paltry percentage of my total reading hours. Recognising my own shortcoming in this area I resolved to avoid buying or starting any new books, instead devoting any and all reading time over the next 12 months to the one ‘Good Book’ - The Bible.
Taking up the gauntlet before me, I purchased a new Bible with extra space for my own notes on every page
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Taking up the gauntlet before me, I purchased a new Bible with extra space for my own notes on every page. I committed to reading a minimum of two chapters per day (one morning and evening) in addition to my regular daily devotion. This was easily achievable on even the busiest of days. But the real beauty was that now any further available time was also spent in the Word. I started at the beginning with Genesis and kept my iPad to hand with the Blue Letter Bible site open to look up any references when it felt relevant. It wasn’t simply about the quantity but the quality of study that ultimately mattered. One chapter or even a verse could hold my focus for days.
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I was surprised how little I missed other books and started to joyfully anticipate delving deeper into the scriptures each day. The benefits were quickly apparent and abundant. What you can expect:
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You immediately step in to God’s perfect will by obeying a direct command. Blessings always accompany obedience. Deuteronomy 11:27
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You develop your relationship with your Heavenly Father. Relationships only thrive with time spent together. As you prayerfully study the Word, the Holy Spirit will help you to know God, to understand scripture and to guide your future. John 16:13
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You begin to “grow up” as a Christian and become spiritually mature. 1 Corinthians 3:1 and 1 Peter 2:2
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Answered prayer. John 15:7
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Hearing God’s voice and receiving guidance through His word as He intended. John 10:27
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A natural reduction in anxiety, stress and fear as you dwell in and receive God’s peace. Acts 10:36, 2 Timothy 1:7
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A shift in your outlook on life. Life’s small irritations will no longer hold power over you and seemingly unbreakable bad habits will evaporate. A heavenly perspective will begin to dominate and smooth out your daily living. 2 Corinthians 4:18
God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), what he has done for me he will do for you, and so much more. He gives to his children liberally and knows exactly what we need. He sent his word to heal and deliver YOU (Psalms 107:20). As you intentionally begin to renew your mind daily in the incorruptible Word you will soon experience God’s good treasure for yourself (Romans 12:2 Philippians 4:19). So, what are you waiting for? Go, bury yourself in The Good Book.
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