Struggling to Study the Bible? Ya, same.

Hey friend, 

Can I be honest? I don’t like making time to study the Bible. I say that I do; in fact, it’s written into my schedule perpetually, but most days, it gets skipped over. It’s like I’m hitting that spiritual snooze button. “Just five more minutes.” I know that I should, and I want to (which is why it’s on the schedule to begin with), but it falls on the back burner over and over again. Am I the only one? Why is it so stinking hard?! 

“Help. I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!” That’s really what I want to yell. I have fallen off the bandwagon AGAIN. I pout and negotiate that I will do it later often. And by later, I really mean tomorrow, which also doesn’t come. However, today, I forced myself to open my Bible and read through the Bible plan for March 10th. And it was there that I found a little bit of compassion for myself. 

While reading, it dawned on me that the Children of Israel actually wanted to stone Moses! I’ve read it before, but this time, it resonated. Moses of all people. Can you imagine? This is the man who spent 40 days and 40 nights in the presence of God speaking to him on their behalf! This is the same Moses who came down the mountain with a face that shone so bright that he had to cover it. The same Moses that God told to stretch out his staff to lead them across DRY ground when the Egyptians were pursuing them. That Moses! They wanted to stone him! And this is where I found compassion for myself. 

Like them, I am quick to run to other gods (notice the little g.) I am just like them. I cry and complain when things take too long, but believe me, I quickly pulled it together when I read what he had to say about them when he did. Spoiler alert: God was ready for them to die dead. But there went good old faithful; Moses, once again, negotiating with God on their behalf. 

What does this have to do with my struggle to study the Bible? Everything! I might not have Moses negotiating for me and my reconciliation with God, but I am fortunate to have someone even better (sorry, Moses.) I have the Holy Spirit that intercedes for me 24/7, and it’s through that intercession that I am reconciled back to God over and over again. Isn’t it so beautiful that he pursues us even when we act like a two-year-old refusing to take a bath? The reality is that it’s my selfishness that causes me to chase after other gods, and it’s His mercy and goodness that draws me back. 

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever” (Psalm 23:6, NKJV). “All” is universal and inclusive of everything. Thus, that means today. So, can you hear it? Can you hear the pitter-patter of Mercy and Goodness’ feet behind you? 

With all of my love, 

Ivy King