The last few days have been a little frustrating. Just having to deal with a few things and I continue to be off and on IV’s. I am sitting in my office right now – trying to get ready for the next group coming in. I haven’t been in my office in awhile – because I’ve been sick and on IV’s and mainly working out of my bedroom. As I was printing out papers – I looked at my little bulletin board that is above the printer.  I see a posty note that says THE SPIRIT OF THE SOVEREIGN LORD IS IN YOU. I remember a guy from Northside Christian Church doing a devotion on that one night and I decided I wanted to take a moment to look up the scripture reference. Even though we went to church today – I didn’t feel fed. I thought maybe God was nudging me to have my own little quiet time today. 

I don’t know if you ever use Biblegateway.com but it’s a great resource. I just went to it now to find the scripture and on the homepage it has a SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY. Guess what it is? 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”-Matthew 11:28

Now you all know that this verse has been very special to me since my favorite worship leader Curt came in this past July and wrote a song about it. Time and time again – this verse popped up – always right when I needed it. It’s probably been a month or two since I thought about that verse. 

In searching for a different scripture – God just threw that scripture in my face. I wasn’t even looking for it and yet God knew exactly what I needed to hear even when I didn’t. The tears just streamed down my face.

We are very excited about this pregnancy but I have felt so frustrated that I have been so sick and not able to do the things I need to do. I have felt so guilty knowing that after February – I will not be able to be in Haiti until the babies are born. With my headaches starting in July – it feels like I haven’t been home very much this fall and now I’ll be out in February for about 4 months. 

I really didn’t think those things were weighing me down but I don’t think I would have cried if it weren’t true. Have you ever carried burdens and you didn’t know you were? Sometimes when I have negative thoughts – I just think they’re that – thoughts. But when those thoughts keep re-occurring – maybe it’s time to admit that it’s not just something little but it’s actually a burden we’re carrying. Our back has probably been killing us – our stomach in knots – our knees feel weak – and we just grab a Tylenol when we should have been grabbing the Bible. 

I see my pretty little pink Bible laying on my desk – covered in dust. Has it been that long since I’ve opened it? Yeah I have a devotional book and I listen to Christian music – but I’m talking about when was the last time I actually opened up my Bible and sat down and read it? 

I am a very good student. I wasn’t the kid that asked for homework but if I did have it – it was done immediately and I got an A on it !:) When I was in a Bible study – I had weekly homework and I had to open my Bible to read it so that I could do my homework. But what happens when you don’t have homework? Do you ever crack open a book to “learn” when you aren’t being graded on it? 

Janeil and Sam have both talked about starting weekly devotionals and I’m so excited about it because I know we will have weekly work to do – and be expected to read our Bibles! Heather is talking about having a special women’s Bible study too. For me – Bible Studies are like Accountability partners. I’m happy to have them – I see right now that I’m thirsty for the Word. I forgot how good I feel after a quiet session with God. 

Is your Bible collecting dust? I know what helps motivate me – group studies and homework. What motivates you? I encourage you if it’s been a while – to wipe the dust off that Bible. You may just rediscover that thirst – that passion – you once had. I didn’t realize how thirsty I was until today.