My Shameless Addiction
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I’m a crazy fool reader. Shamelessly addicted to books.
It seems that reading is as ingrained in my genetic makeup as my giraffe neck.
A little more advantageous than the neck though.
I remember in college, one of my dates brought along a book he thought I might enjoy. Poor guy had not a clue what a mistake that was going to be. Instead of being impressed with his thoughtfulness, I was engrossed in the book. Can’t even remember a thing about the date. I remember the book… 22 years later. 🙂
I guess some would consider me to be the quiet mousy person in the corner. The one who doesn’t draw much attention. I’m ok with that. Really. Because, secretly, I’m a ninja warrior. At least when it comes to learning.
Every time I drive past the kickboxing gym, I think: “I could do that.”
Inside, I’m wickedly aggressive at one thing: learning.
If there is any cause for aggression, let it be to learn.
Perhaps you are like me and love to read. Maybe you’re not and right now you think I’m crazy. Either way, there is one book that I can recommend for every stage of life.
In sickness and health.
Through divorce and marriage.
Travelling disappointment and heartache.
Suffering from emotional pain.
Around the world. In the country or in the city.
Above all other books, might I encourage you to pick up and read
God’s Word- the Bible.
In Joshua 8, a wonderful story of God’s deliverance jumps off the page. The children of Israel are doubting God; after all He has provided through the forty years of wandering in the wilderness, they doubt and are afraid of the city of Ai. Though their experience with God has been personal and real, they question their next step of taking over this city.
The very first verse of the chapter begins with God telling them not to be afraid. Though the enemy looks fierce, God has delivered this people and land to them. So, in pure obedience, Joshua lifts his spear and God delivers His promise- the battle is won through a strategy that none might have guessed. (But that is for a different post. 🙂 )
At the end of the battle, the last verse of the chapter ends with:
Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—just as it is written in the Book of the Law.
There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children, and the aliens who lived among them.
Isn’t it interesting that they sat down and paused for this reading AFTER the battle?
To emphasize the importance of obedience to God, Joshua was reiterating the point to the people:
To understand what God just did and wants to do in the future, we must read His Word.
Are you frustrated with circumstances in your life?
Clarity will come when you read the Bible. Perhaps not immediately, but as you become shamelessly addicted to Him, God’s promise is that He will reveal Himself to you.
Can you share with me a time that God’s Word met you on the page and confirmed God’s work in your heart?
Afternoon sister!!!
This was awesome! Your PASSION for God’s living Word shines through! I normally notice lately that just taking in bites of His Word daily leaves me with nourishment later… scripture will come back to my mind as prompted by His Spirit. WOW GOD!!! is. good. What a privilege it is to have His Living Word and HIS Living Spirit within! ~ Blessings out to you girl, Amy
My addiction to reading and learning has never been a secret. I love looking for new things, particularly as I dive into the Word as a reborn again Christian. As God has me in waiting for a future career that He has already revealed to me, His Word is reminding me of His foundation and where I’ve been and how far I’ve come in Proverbs Chapters 3 & 4. The Bible is one awesome addiction, one from which I’m happy to never recover from 🙂
Thumbs up for reading! There is a reason God’s Word is the number 1 selling book–it speaks!
Amen Sister!
I am also a book worm! I used to devour books as a child and lose myself in the world.
I like the observation that they sat down after battle and read it. The temptation could have been to get complacent – GOd had done his stuff, won the battle for them – but it’s not about what God can do for us but about knowing Him. Thanks for that challenge today.
(linking up via Women Living Well)
Fellow bookworms unite. 🙂 Yes, indeed, it is about knowing Him. Blessings to you today!
I was blessed by this for I to am addicted to reading…phew It felt good to say that!! What really touched me was I completely am seeing how all these self helps, how to’s and what if books of today are searching for answers even as they try to guide people to a better understanding but the one source people are not picking up is God’s Word. It truly does guide, help, clarify and direct us to the Lord Jesus while loving, and encouraging through showing us the struggles of others in many times in situations that we our selves go through. I most always read Ester in times of uncertainty because there is so much uncertainty in her life yet God is clearly allowing all things to work out for Her good just as He says in Jer 29.
:11. Her obedience to her father(Mordecai) and ultimately to the Lord, trusting that all things are in His hands even her life just speaks to my heart of God’s never failing love towards me and to us all. I love how the scripture comes alive and quickens us when we are truly seeking what the Lord’s will for our life is and not my own desires. My son has been through a bully, and has struggled with self esteem and the Lord has used Psalm 139 in my sons life to show Him how precious and wonderful he is to the Lord, and that the Lord will be with Him in any situation…HIS Word is healing and brings life to those who truly seek Him! How awesome are His thoughts toward us and the only way we can know that is by picking it up and reading it!!! thank you for the encouragement!!!
Bless you, Anna. I too love Esther’s story! Thank you for your encouraging words today!!
HI Rachel,
I am an avid reader myself. How do we inspire young teenage boys to read more?
Blessings,
Lorlie
Great question, Lorlie! Two things I do for my preteen son. Set aside designated time to read. He likes to read in bed at night because it allows him to stay up a bit later. This works well in the summer. Also, finding enjoyable reading material. Let their interests do the driving- perhaps an afternoon at the library or a trip to the Christian bookstore? Just what comes to mind. Hope it helps. Blessings to you!