Expectation

The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
Making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Psalms 19:7-8

I adore the Word of God! It's words touch my innermost parts, and truly come alive in me and to me. But sadly, I have not always loved this Book of Old. I once found it hard to understand, and to be quite honest, I found it rather boring. So what changed in me to make me desire the Words from the pages of this holy manuscript?

I prayed.

I asked God to give me a hunger for the Bible. I asked Him to place a craving in my soul for His truth. I prayed for supernatural understanding of the Scriptures and for knowledge. I asked Him to make the pages of His Word come alive to me, to the point of taking me back in time. I wanted to walk beside the saints of Old in the Jerusalem streets, and see what they saw. I wanted to walk with Christ, and know my Lord.

He answered my prayer.

Two years later, here I sit, eagerly waiting for the UPS truck to deliver a new Bible to my doorstep. I have been searching for some time now for a Bible to replace the one I have used for the last five years. This Bible is my companion, my confidant, my treasured possession, and it is falling apart. The back cover fell off, and the front cover has been super-glued on to the pages. The edges are torn and peeling. Yet, it is more beautiful to me today than when I first received it…

This burgundy, tattered Bible has seen me through so much in my life. It's pages carried me through many personal trials over the years: depression; multiple surgeries; cancer; spiritual warfare; the loss of my sister's twins; the death of my only grandfather; my dad's battle with cancer, and many more.

It also has been my Light, as I remember many joyous occasions over the years gone by: the baptism of two of my children; my husband accepting Jesus; personal growth in my walk with Christ; a mission trip to Brazil; being called to God's service; new ministries being birthed; and others too numerous to count.

I wonder what journeys I will take in the years to come with God. His Word never changes, and has proven to stand the test of time. I have so much to learn in the Word, still. The worn leather feels smooth to the touch, and I can see the notes I have written on those oil-stained pages of my Bible. I have little flower stickers from the heart of an orphan in Brazil on the inside front page. Yellow, green, and blue colors highlight my favorite verses, and sticky notes adorned with facts of the ancient text press against the worn pages. The different names of God are taped to the inside cover, with a coffee stain in the middle. It is my treasured possession. This Holy Book has been my companion, my love, and the closest tangible means of getting to the heart of God. Tears have fallen from my face onto the living words. Once, I asked God to take me to the heart of Mary Magdalene. It was Easter morning, and I wanted to feel her joy, as her eyes were opened to recognize the Risen Christ. God's Word is indeed alive and active.

I really don't consider myself very sentimental. On second thought, maybe I will just have this old Bible rebound…

         Loving the Word,
         Alison