Ancient Magic Book

When I have experienced personal challenges in my life, some people have told me that the perfect place to find comfort and solace is in reading the Bible. Some even have offered several specific texts. Here is one:“Cast your burden on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be moved.” NKJV (Psalm 55:22) 

I have always appreciated sound, well intended counsel from friends and family. I have always believed that the Bible is indeed full of true promises that hold the seeds of inner peace hidden in them. However, I don't worship the Bible. Thumbing through its pages is an awesome idea but unless you are familiar with its structure, and the very serious ‘conditions’ imposed, it will seem very confusing. Don't get me wrong! The stories are applicable but they are…. well, a bit dated and surprisingly out of sequence! A rookie reader will be lost.

If you have never opened a Bible (or if it has been a while since you have), it’s fair to say that perusing through the pages during a personal calamity might find you asking, “Where do I begin?” After all, the Bible is not an ancient magic book nor does reading it create a presto-change-o-solution to all/any of life’s rocky moments.

    

Some friends have echoed the phrase “Let go and Let God”. I love the cadence. It’s a brief, compact and simple expression. It seems so spiritual. I have even seen it on bumper stickers or even written on walls. However, there are times when we have become so mesmerized by the world and the grasp on its attractions are so firm, that we just can't “let go”. We WANT to “let go”, we TRY to “let go”—but it just will not happen. No amount of Bible reading will help us; that is, unless (here's the condition) while you read the Bible, you talk to the Author.

There’s often a difference in what we want to give up and what we need to release. We might be holding tightly to something we think of as good, like better health for a loved one, changed behavior in a wayward child or sibling, a promotion or even a new career. All too often, what we think is good is NOT what God knows is best.

Other times we grip tightly to assumptions about the way we think life SHOULD be; that things ought to be easier; that being a parent should not be so difficult or why a class is especially challenging. Some of us have even had ‘Balaam moments’, knowing full well that we are headed in the wrong direction and we are talking to ‘donkeys’ (or worse).

Reading the Bible WILL NOT help us effectively resist/quit our preconceived notions of how life is supposed to work. Talking to the Author of the Bible will!

What “Let go and let God” comes down to is this: We need to let go of our own will. We must claim as our own the incredible prayer that Jesus prayed: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not MY will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). We need to let go and let God do what God wills. This submission of the 'will', will lead to peace and joy, even when the way is difficult. Read your Bible AND pray to God. He will positively affect your life. Ask for the Holy Spirit.

Father, I place my life in Your hands!” (Luke 23:46). ~Pray /\