Open ‘The Book’ – God Speaks to You — Are You Listening? 

By Roxanne Drury 

In my life as a Christian, sad to say, there have been times that I neglected God’s Word. Distractions, busyness, and not understanding its value were the culprits I allowed to control this particular part of my life. I knew that I needed to get back to a regular rhythm of reading the Word. I knew that God gave us His Word for a reason. I knew there was value in reading the Bible and that it could change a life. But I failed to open The Book. 

I was struggling and desperate after I retired. I was searching for answers about what God wanted from me and for me in this new season. In my desperation, I turned to the Bible. Why is it that we wait until we are desperate to look to God and His Word? I landed in Luke 2. At about verse 36, I read, “There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old…” I stopped there, taking notice, and said aloud to no one, “Wait a minute, I am very old.” I continued reading, “She had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying.” I continued reading and got to Luke 5:4-11 and read the message for me to “go deeper.” Luke 6:40, Luke 6:46-49, Luke 9:62: “Don’t look back.” Verse after verse I came across pointed me in the direction God wanted me to go – to His Word! 

Turning to Psalm 119, as I read, verses 15, 23, 68, 78, 99, 117, 144, 148, 174, 33, 34, 35 – all with the same theme, were tugging at my heart. David’s commitment and devotion to studying God’s Word hit me like a lightning bolt; tears formed in my eyes. “Is this what You want from me, Lord?” 

Here’s what I know: 

Psalm 119:8 – “Your Word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” 

• God’s Word is true.

2 Timothy 3:16 says it is God-breathed – meaning given by inspiration of God. God can’t lie. Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in the New Testament and even in our current day proves the Bible to be true. 

Psalm 119:103 – “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.” 

• God’s Word is relevant.

Sometimes, it is difficult to understand the Bible or find its relevance. But it is not our job to figure it out. The Holy Spirit steps in and helps us understand what God has for us in His Word, in His perfect timing. 

Psalm 119:105 – “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” 

• God’s Word is our guide for life.

Reading the Bible can help make a difference in the choices we make. It is always available to us. All we have to do is open it and read it. The Holy Spirit will guide our reading and our steps, shining a light on what is crucial for us as we travel on our path of faith. 

In the Bible, David was called a “man after God’s own heart.” David desired to meditate on God’s Word, day and night. In Psalm 119:97, David says, “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.” The Hebrew dictionary tells us that the word ‘meditate’ means devoted. David was devoted to God’s Word. He relied on it as his guide. He read it. He studied it. He memorized it. 

Glancing across the page to Psalm 119:16, listen to what David said… “I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your Word.” 

Tears streaming, “You want me to study Your Word!” I shouted. “That’s what You want from me.” 

I could not neglect this valuable resource that He gave me (and you) one moment longer. I needed to follow David’s example and be devoted to these God-breathed words. 

God has given us this fantastic tool that is true, relevant, and a guide for our lives in a book called The Holy Bible. It is the only book that takes us to the throne of God in a very real way. 

How do we study God’s Word? 

• Set a time and place for your reading. Invite the Holy Spirit into your reading as a guide.
• Remove all distractions.
• Commit to it. Be devoted to it.
• Read with an open mind and heart, expecting to learn what God has for you to discover.

We cannot, we must not neglect reading the Bible. 

Now, here’s my No More Neglecting the Bible challenge: 

1. If you are not already reading the Bible regularly, START.
2. If you read the Bible regularly, try living without it. You will learn for yourself just how valuable it is to you. I guarantee you will quickly miss it and be eager to return.

The end of my story is obedience. I registered to attend Bible Study Fellowship. We are studying the Book of Revelation, which is significant in these times. Was this God’s plan all along? Hmm? I wonder. My best guess is yes! I might not have ever known if I hadn’t opened The Book. 

Roxanne Drury is a wife, mother, grandmother, and retired Christian preschool teacher who served the Lord in children’s ministry for over 45 years. She has written a group study guide on Psalm 23, as well as other books. She may be reached at [email protected].