Do You Want to Read a Story?

After being a Christian for almost 40 years, the newness and excitement of reading the Bible had pretty much worn off. Reading it had become routine. It wasn’t something I necessarily looked forward to anymore, instead, it was something I did because I was supposed to. It’s no longer like that for me, thanks to the two beautiful grandchildren God has blessed me with. The two children from whom I often learn profound life lessons.

At ages 6 and 8, James and Julia are very active. They never seem to sit still and are always coming up with interesting ideas. Just yesterday, I watched as they tied a rope on my office doorknob at one end of the hall and then around a pillar at the other end of the hall. For them, this was no ordinary rope, this was a zip line for their stuffed animals. Did I mention that they are vey creative, as well as very busy?

Sometimes they remind me of the “Tasmanian Devil” from Looney Tunes. They are always on the move, leaving toys strewn in their wake. But for all their busyness, all it takes is a simple question to settle them down. “Do you want to read a story?” They hear that question and these whirling dervishes transform into sweet, quiet, lovable listeners.

As I read, they hang on every word. They ask questions, repeat lines, and cuddle right up against me. They sit still, listen to my voice, and enjoy the closeness as we read together. One day, as I read them a story, enjoying them snuggling up with me, it hit me — that’s how reading the Bible should be.

Reading the Bible is like God reading us a story. When we read it, we are hearing the very words of God. His voice is heard in every word, sentence, and story of the Bible. Reading it is our chance to slow down, be still, enjoy the sound of His voice, and experience the closeness with God that we long for. Just as my grandchildren ask questions, God wants us to ask questions as we read. Just as James and Julia repeat lines from the story, God longs for us to store His word up in our hearts. Those words will breathe life to those we speak them to and encourage us when we remember them.

I’m going to tell you a secret. When I read to my grandchildren and they cuddle up with me, I enjoy it even more than they do. Spending that time with them, feeling the closeness and love, is something I desire and look forward to. God feels the same way. He longs for us to spend time with Him, to feel His presence, and hang on His every word. He longs for us to know who He is and find peace, comfort, and security by staying close to Him. I experience these things every day when I read the Bible. It’s no longer something I have to do; it’s something I look forward to.

If that is something you want, it can be yours. God desires closeness. You can cuddle up with God and let Him speak with you. You can get to know Him and experience His love, mercy, and grace through the pages of the Bible. Because, every day God asks you the same question, “Do you want to read a story?” All you have to do is answer, “Yes.”