I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. (Job 23:12)
Seventeen-year-old Sandy had just plopped into her chair at breakfast when she noticed that her mother, Janice, was reading her Bible. “Aren’t you going to eat, Mom?” asked Sandy. “I don’t like to eat by myself.” Janice thought for a moment, then asked her daughter, “What happened last month when you took your SAT for college on an empty stomach?” Puzzled, Sandy replied, “I crashed. And I had a hard time finishing.” “That’s why I’m getting in the habit of reading my Bible every morning,” said Janice. “Too many times I’ve gone through my day on an empty heart, and my actions have proved it. I want to be full all day.”
What value do you place on God’s Word? Do you treasure it even more than your next meal? Some even live by the rule that they will not eat breakfast unless they first spend time reading the Bible. In any case, you can prioritize your time with God and move other things out of the way for your devotional life. When you fill your heart with God’s Word, this “treasure” will bear interest; the commands and promises of God will give you comfort during times of trouble, conviction to action, and correction when you’ve gone astray. When the Bible becomes more important than your next meal, your “nourishment” will help you grow to be more like Christ.
Place your Bible somewhere you’ll see it and read it every single day.
Paul Zinter has served as a pastor and editor. He enjoys writing, bread making, and teaching at his local church.
