God once sent a punishment that sounds like the year 2020:
“Joy and rejoicing have been removed from the orchard: no one is singing or shouting for joy in the vineyards. I have put an end to the shouting.” Isaiah 16:10.
In 2020 there was no cheerful shouting. Stadiums were quiet. Weddings were quiet. Graduations were quiet. Playgrounds, elementary schools, and birthday parties were quiet. Even rock concerts were silenced.
We were grounded, confined to our homes and back yards, banished from public places, and left with too much time on our hands. What did we do with the time? I read about one of the Houston Texans football players who was taking piano lessons. A friend was bragging on one of her high school students that published a book during the quarantine. I know a young lady who was painting with her aunt, and a young man who bought his first set of golf clubs ….
But Pastor Gregg may have said it best:
“Have you grown closer to Jesus during this pandemic? Have you been reading your Bible more now that you have all this extra time?”
Do it. DO IT. Just do it. Pick up the Book of Books, the owner’s manual, God’s love letter to you, and begin reading it. I’m serious.
Choose one of the 66 books you have never read, and read it all the way through. Turn to the contents page and check that one off. Then read another one…. It’s okay if you read the shortest books first. Just read. Let God speak to you through His amazing word during the quiet time.
Maybe He allowed the pandemic for just that reason: so believers would grow closer to Him. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by. Right now, you have time to create some new habits. Read the Word. God promises to bless you for reading:
“My Word always produces fruit; it will accomplish the purpose for which I sent it out.” Isaiah 55:11.
God’s word will bear fruit EVERY TIME you read it.
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