Busy People & The Bible
Few things keep Christians from consistent time in the Bible like busyness.
We are busy with school, busy with work, busy caring for kids, busy with hobbies, busy at church, and busy with relationships.
We are a busy people.
Busyness is not always bad. It can be. Some of us are busy trying to find approval, satisfaction, or comfort in whatever it is we're busy with. But some of us are simply busy because an abudant life is a busy life. Resting in Jesus, loving my wife, shepherding my kids, and leading my church keeps me VERY busy. That's not a bad busy.
But, busyness, even with good things, becomes bad when it crowds out what's best. And what's best, and the very bedrock of a vibrant relationship with Jesus, is a regular time in God's Word. So how can we as busy people have a consistent, meaningful, and fruitful time in Scripture? Here are five ways even busy people can be in the Bible...
1. Prioritize time in God's Word
Bottom line: We practice what we prioritize. If being in God's Word matters to you, you will make time for it. It never happens magically, it happens when you prioritize a time, place, and plan. Busy people, all people, have to prioritize a time in God's Word.
2. Wake up earlier to be in God's Word
One of the easiest ways for busy people to be in the Bible is to simply wake up a bit earlier. To begin with, it may be as little as 15-20 minutes. I know for some this is a significant barrier to overcome, however spending time in the Word first thing in the morning is the most consistent way to insure it happens.
3. Make it a point to memorize God's Word
Having even a single verse committed to memory gives you the ability to meditate on Scripture at any time, in any setting. If you do not currently have a means by which you memorize Scripture, I highly recommend this article by Pastor John Piper and that you visit the Fighter Verse website, or download their app (iPhone/Android).
4. Redeem time by listening to God's Word
Many of us have daily tasks like work around the house, or a commute, that leaves us with the capacity for another activity simultaneously. One of the most practical ways to be in the Bible is to redeem this time by listening to Scripture while performing these tasks. The You Version website and app make this a simple and free option for everyone.
5. Steal free time for reading God's Word
Finally, everyone has time throughout the day when they stand in lines, wait in doctor's offices, or have time to kill before the next activity. You may be surprised how much time this actually is. While it is not best for the totality of your time in the Word to be "on the go" there is huge opportunity here. You can keep a good compact Bible with you, or download the Bible on your mobile device, and read while you wait.
In Psalm 1:1-2 David said, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."
Busyness is no excuse to not be in the Bible. We should read the Bible like men and women desperate for our next meal. We should read the Bible because we have to. We should read the Bible as if our lives depend upon it. It won't be easy and it will require work, but this practice promises joy for a lifetime.
