The Sweetest Thing of All

If I were rich, I'd have the time that I lack
To sit in the synagogue and pray.
And maybe have a seat by the Eastern wall.
And I'd discuss the holy books with the learned men,
several hours every day.
That would be the sweetest thing of all.

Why do we put off the one thing that brings us peace, thankfulness, and contentment?

I'm talking about reading the Bible.

Our friend, Tevye, was lamenting about all the things he would do if he were a rich man. Not surprisingly, his home would be larger, his flocks would be larger - even his wife would be larger! Everyone passing by would exclaim, "Now, there lives a wealthy man!"

But the sweetest thing of all?

Discussing the "holy books with the learned men several hours every day."

Tevye couldn't read.

The only glimpse he had of scripture was when the rabbi unrolled the scrolls in the synagogue. The only scripture he was fed was what the rabbi read to him.

From where I sit in my living room, there are two Bibles in my line of sight. There's another in my purse, two more in my school room, one in Himself's office, one in my bedroom, two in Kelly's room, three in Ty's room, Glenna's are everywhere . . . you get the picture.

I have just finished a Bible study and I'm eager for another. But sometimes, sometimes, just reading the Bible myself is the "sweetest thing of all." I used to fuss and fret about where I should start reading or how much I should read each day. I'm so thankful for the NTM missionary who comes to our church and shared with me a simple, yet obvious, way to read the Bible:

Just read it.

Start at the beginning, read it all the way through. When finished, start over.

In other words, read it! Daily, yearly, perpetually, read the Bible. I cannot understand God and His love for me unless I do.

Slowly, imperfectly, non-legalistcally, I am reading the Bible. I'm in Deuteronomy. I do not always understand what I read, and sometimes it makes me downright angry, but I have a Living Author with me as I turn each page, eager to give me understanding. Thankfully, He's also eager to not give me understanding.When He wants me to know, I'll know.

And, that's all I need to know.