I have treasured your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you. ~Psalm 119:11
Next to the printed dictionary in our library, my high-school biology text was the biggest—and heaviest—book I had ever seen or lifted. I’ll never forget the first time I sat down at the kitchen table and thumbed through it. The book’s shiny pages seemed so ominous. I remember being filled with dread at the thought of having to study the whole thing.
However, much to my surprise, over the next few days of sitting in Mr. Dusek’s class, I began to enjoy the subject. In a couple of weeks, I found myself looking forward to fifth period—complete with the unmistakable smell of formaldehyde. By Halloween, I was completely fascinated with biology. I even announced to my parents that I might become a doctor.
Over the next several months, the once-intimidating biology book became my favorite text. Not only did I not dread it, but I could hardly wait to pore over the information it contained. Why the transformation? I dreamed of the possibility of becoming a doctor, making a life of the subject, and I couldn’t afford to miss anything the book had for me.
You’re way ahead of me, aren’t you?
This Bible is a fairly ominous volume. Many men are filled with dread at the thought of having to read or—perish the thought—study its pages. But just as soon as these men decide to be intentional Christ followers, slowly but with certainty, the Bible be- comes their most beloved text. It contains the words they have chosen to live by after they make a deliberate decision to use the Book as a guide that changes everything.
The verses you read today ought to be all the motivation you need to turn this robust and once-threatening book into one of your favorites. If you have a sin problem—and you and I do—God’s Word is your greatest protection. Tucking the Scriptures into your heart keeps you from sin. If you have a problem “seeing,” this book will be your headlight, giving you a new perspective on everything. And if you need direction, the Bible promises to provide it for you.
The difference between this average (and sometimes bored) sophomore in high school and a tenacious student of the biology textbook was a conscious decision to become what the text taught. And my love for the subject continues to this day.
Do you want God’s Word to jump off these pages? Then make the same decision I made about biology sitting in Mr. Dusek’s class.
“God, I want to be your man. I want victory over sin. I want eyes to see where I am. And I want direction for tomorrow. Thank You for promising these things to me.” This will change everything.