Over the years, I’ve developed a love affair with the Word of God.

At seventeen, His word became alive to me when victory overcome temptation for the first time in that compulsive, addictive behavior.  God provided a way out for me just like He promised (1 Corinthians 10:13).

As a college student, His Word convicted me that while everything was permissible, not everything was beneficial, and I chose to give up sin I was living in (1 Corinthians 10:23).

As a young mom struggling with postpartum depression, I learned God cared about my struggle to just get through the day (Psalm 142).

When depression was compounded with grief, I learned God saw my tears, recording each one of them (Psalm 56:8)

When fearful of leaving my children when I went back to work, His Word assured me He would supply all of our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19).

As a parent struggling with anger, frustration, and a rebellious child, God promised me over and over again He would repay the years the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25).

When sitting with a colleague dying of a brain tumor, His word became a balm to her dying body, as she accepted Christ as her Savior in the bed of  a nursing home.

I can list other times when His word has been living and active, sharper than a double-edged sword, laying bare all things before the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account (Hebrews 4:12). I’ve been laid bare more times than I care to remember.

In the days and weeks to come, I encourage you spend time, any time, in the life-giving Word of God.

Don’t set yourself up for the ideal because you’ll get frustrated and quit. Find the time that works for you.

I challenge you to fast from other books right now, going straight to the Author who knows what you need more than anyone else.  Time with Him is unlike any other.

I’m excited to be having a “Love Affair that’s Not With My Husband” 6 week bible study in my home beginning Monday, June 17, from 9-10:30 am.  We’ll be looking at how to personally apply scripture to our lives and how to read it with a fresh, intimate perspective. I’ll be sharing highlights from the content here over the next several weeks, too! If you are “local,” feel free to join us! Email me at yoderbl@gmail.com

Lord, Jesus, help us to run to you and your Word, seeking your life-giving truth that leaves us hungering for more.  As a deer pants for water, cause our souls to thirst for you. Amen.