There are golden nuggets to be discovered in the Word of God most usually when you least expect it. Ever have that happen to you where a line, a phrase, a verse, or a whole passage seems to be alive and jumps off the page to grab your attention?
In moments where I might be tired from endless tasks, or busy schedules, or weary from battle I like a light read. Something that can get my attention 
without the use of commentaries and study guides. In these times I will most often pick up one of two of my to go to editions of the Bible. The MESSAGE and WYCLIFFE NT BIBLE. In these pages I can find all the intrigue of love and romance, mysteries, murder, revenge, who done it, and hope at the end of the day for those who follow God’s precepts. There are times when one segment or even one verse will jump off the page and catch my attention, I call these “golden nuggets” for in them there is life, usually the answer to some quandary I have been facing, assurance that all will be well, and encouragement that the Lord is near. My purse may not be filled with riches, but the riches of my heart are above monetary measure with golden nuggets tucked deep inside panned out from the Word. Here I find fellowship sweet with my Best Friend and my soul is refreshed.
“God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.” Psalms 23:1-3
While it was still dark outside, in the early morning hours I had been semi-awake and the answer to a quandary seemed to have come from within me but the source was far greater than my own thoughts. I knew the direction I needed
to take in my life’s situation. As I sat with my morning tea I picked up the Word to read my morning devotion and I found myself the recipient of one of those “golden nuggets”. Psalms 16:7 seemed to come alive for me – don’t you just love it when this happens! In the night watches when the earth is quiet and still, He reminds us of His Word and whispers quiet guidance. “The wise counsel God gives when I’m awake is confirmed by my sleeping heart.” This verse was reminding me that even while sleeping He gives wise counsel.
“Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in the time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) Because God is all around us in all times and in all places even when we are tired He is actively participating in our lives. It’s up to us to draw near to Him. Even the most mature believer can find times when the well is dry, when life has been taxing and their personal time alone with the Lord has drawn stale. That is the time to push in, I find replacing “study” time with “pleasure” reading a refreshing time of regrouping and as I was once read wine tasters will eat a slice of cucumber to cleanse the palate in order for them to be able to distinguish the next taste of another wine, so the Word of God refreshes a tired soul, quieting the mind, and giving stability in uncertain times. The Word of God motivates, it uplifts, it keeps the soul rich, that carries easily in our thought through the day and night. Our times of pleasure reading gives opportunity for life to be revived. We have a rich inheritance and it comes from Christ Jesus. What better way to learn from Him then in reading His word for pleasure. “Day and night, I’ll stick with God; I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go.” (Psalms 16:8)
Let’s get inspired together, regardless of how busy our day/life may be, lets find time to read the Word for pleasure as well as for study. Take it along at lunch time, coffee break, read it, enjoy it, for in it we will find a wellspring from which to draw throughout our busy days.
Re-posted by permission. Original post here. Images courtesy of unsplash.com.
Yvonne Beals holds a Bachelors in Theology, is a Master Certified Life Coach, holds diplomas in Christian Education and Biblical Counseling. Her life motto is,“Allowing the petals of your life to unfold in His love” as she partners with women in their journey of learning to be over-comers and reaching for their potential in Christ Jesus. Her passion includes her family, quiet walks by oceans edge and leading others to faith in Christ. She is a speaker and long-time monthly partner of Women of the Word.
