While attending the funeral of a friend’s father the other day, I heard the pastor use a phrase I haven’t thought much of in relation to the reading of God’s Word. I’ve thought about it several times while staring at some unopened boxes from the last move in my garage. A few times a year, I consider that an action I perform in my attic, especially when looking for Christmas decorations. I must admit, though, I’ve never made the mental connection to the reading of the Bible.

The original context went something like this: In your times of greatest need, God will use His Word to bring you comfort, however, He can bring more comfort from His Word the more of His Word you have already in your heart. In other words, the more you’ve been reading the Bible, the more He can speak to you through Scripture applicable to your current situation. The implication was that the less of God’s Word you’ve read, the less you’ll be able to hear from Him. The pastor stated that, “you’ve got to be reading in His Word, you’ve got to be plundering in His Word.”

Wow! The thought struck me, sitting there in that service, that God can use as much or as little as you know about Him and from Him for His glory! The idea of approaching Bible reading like unpacking a box full of treasures that you haven’t seen in a while can be life changing. I don’t advocate for a lifelong style of completely random roulette-style Bible reading, but if you’ve been away from God for any length of time and feel His gentle tug to come back home, why don’t you find the treasures in there that speak to you the most right now. Then, ask someone who’s been reading for a while for an organized reading plan or favorite devotional that will guide you through important principles contained in Scripture.

Many people simply go back to the story of Jesus through the Gospel of John in order to get back into a routine. That’s a great place to begin! What better way to start plundering again than to delve into the story of the God-Man Himself…Jesus.

Friend, there’s no place to hear from God than in your local church, also. When you commit to attend this weekend, you can go back & read the passage from the Sunday morning message. Then, back up a little bit & read some of the Scripture that leads up to what was read in the service. Read what follows the Scripture that the pastor used, &, if you have the time, KEEP READING! See what the Lord has to say to you from there.

Imagine what God can do in your life through a little “plundering” in The Word. Now, amplify it ten-fold when you commit to memorizing it, studying it, or even listening to it on your phone or in your car! The more time you give to Him in His Word, the more He has to work with when you need it most. Be encouraged by this…the God who created the universe wrote you a love letter in the Bible. He longs for you to read it, so you can hear His heart for you.