Sunday, October 28, 2018

The blessing of weary eyes...





As the number of my years pass by, the more I have grown to know that God's Word must be where I search for life's answers, where I wrap myself in Hope, and where I weary my eyes.

King David's words in Psalm 119:123 profoundly challenge me -  
"My eyes fail from seeking Your salvation". 

 David knew the Word of God, he studied it and drank in every promise and truth with his eyes as well as his heart. I cannot imagine my eyes being so weary from reading the Word of God, yet they have often wearied from reading emails, sewing, browsing books, watching television or skimming magazines.

Having moved into our first home just five weeks ago I'm reflecting on the hidden blessings we never asked for but which some days take our breath away. Like the beautiful view from the back porch where we sit and open God's Word each morning and have our minds washed in grace, mercy, goodness and truth before we go our separate ways to work and chores. 

These days as dawn approaches I eagerly push aside the sheets, plant my feet on the floor, head to the kitchen to brew a quick coffee and step out back where one of my big old Bibles and a pair of reading glasses wait for me on the soft blue couch. Some days I read chapter after chapter, other days it's just a verse or two which leads me in to a time of personal reflection and prayer - but still, my eyes have not yet wearied from reading God's Word. 

Daily household activities will always draw me away and that is normal of course because people must be fed, washing done, floors mopped, work accomplished, but my hope for the days to come is that I increasingly choose to pick up a Bible before I reach for my iPad, phone or other reading material, that I at least rest my eyes and heart on a few Scriptures and ponder them.

It was only this morning I remembered a wonderful habit followed during our homeschool years. I would leave a Bible open on the kitchen bench at a particular chapter and as I walked past during the day I'd stop and read a few more verses. Moving on I'd consider those verses whilst folding the washing or attending to another task and as the weeks and months passed my delight in God's Word just kept growing. 
Mmmm...may be time to revisit that beautiful rhythm of daily study?

I pray the Lord will increase my love for the Bible so much that all other distractions fade away, and that my testimony one day will be that of King David's - 
"My eyes fail from the constant reading of your perfect Word, Lord."

What about you?

hugs

17 comments:

Delight in Nature said...

Thank you and may the Lord bless you mightily. ❤

Jusmom1 said...

I have just begun reading the Bible. I found a list of the order I should read His book. I've tried, but to be honest, please God forgive my failing, there are chapters that are just so boring I have closed my bible and stopped reading. But I WANT to read it, study it, love it as you do! What am I doing wrong?

Little Quiltsong said...

The older I get the more important and precious the Word of God has become. I do remember struggling through the many books in the Old Testament, till I realized how hard it was for the people in that time, and how precious that we now live in the New Testament times. Please tell Jusmom1 to not discourage. Lists aren't for everyone. Some days we read more, and some less. Each Word is written for us, and each Word is a letter to us. Just read it prayerfully, and God will guide - He loves us, so very much. Love Jenny, how you used to leave your Bible open and read extra verses throughout your day. I would often try doing that with Hymns - to learn them off by heart. Special practices!

Jackie said...

Thank you, Jenny. May you and Mr E have a blessed day.

Jusmom1 said...

Thank you so very much, Little Quiltsong. I will begin again and if I come upon a chapter that is allowing my mind to wander I will move elsewhere in His word knowing that some day I will be drawn to that chapter...in His time!

Lin said...

Thank you Jenny. xx

Farm Quilter said...

His timing is essential, as is our willingness to be open to hearing what He has to say to us! I love your idea of leaving a Bible open and reading a verse or two each time you walk by...need to incorporate that into my daily life!! May you be blessed this week with eyes truly open to the Lord.

Barbara said...

Like you, I make it a habit to give the Lord the first fruits of my day, reading something in His Word before I do anything else. This is a beautiful blog post. Thank you for sharing your habits and thoughts with us.

Tammy said...

Blessings to us all on this day and each that he has gifted us.

Tena said...

I always love your blog posts. May the Lord help each of us to desire Him and His word more!!

Little Penpen said...

I spend way too much time on the computer and not enough time in His word. He keeps nudging me that HE wants to talk to me through His word, but lately my Bible reading has been "hit and miss".... I need to find a pattern like you speak of, to allow more precious time with Him. Thank you Jenny.

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Bless your precious heart.
You know, I have never followed a reading schedule. I think it’s great for some people, but not good for many others. When you know the Bible better (after many years) yes, a read through from start to finish is interesting.
But living with Jesus day to day means we are open to where HE leads us in our reading of His Word.
If I were to give any advice on where to begin let me suggest the Gospels. Begin with Matthew, then Mark, Luke and John…walk through the life of Jesus before anything else. I’m praying our Lord speaks into your heart and leads you to where He can reveal more of Himself to you, right where you are today. xxx

Darlene said...

This is exactly my prayer, I need discipline to continually and habitually take in His word each day,as there are too many distractions. What a great reminder Jenny...leaving your Bible on a bench so as you pass by you can read a verse or two or three and ponder the meaning. Thank you!

Susan said...

I've been thinking a lot about similar things in recent weeks, and I made a decision last week that I'll share with you in an e-mail, along with how it turned out for the first week. =) I am thankfully engaged in learning and doing, as you are. I like your idea of the scriptures lying open to be read and then pondered, a few verses at a time. That's almost like the chocolate snacking I do, only much better.

Miriam said...

Jenny , thank you very much for this post, for sharing your intimate love for God with us! I love your blog and everything you realise, but I have never said , how I love and wait when you write about your love for God’ s Word. Thank you!
I have in my thoughts to keep an open Bible in the kitchen for me, but above all for my husband and my children.
Miriam, from Italy

Martha Roberts said...

I go to a wonderful ladies Bible Study at my church. We do a workbook and video session by different teachers. The study right now is on Hosea. We meet once a week on Wednesday morning. We have study work to do each day until the next session. The author of the study has about a 30 minute teaching video that we watch and then discuss our homework from the past week. I love it. There are many to choose from and you can do a lot of them online by yourself. I find this study of God's word works well for me. In between planned studies at our church, I pick out one to do alone. I like studying whole books of the Bible at a time but there are always references to other scriptures to read so it ties the whole Bible together. Love your posts, Jenny.

barcord said...

It has been my practice to follow some bible notes each day, but lately I have been reading steadily through Genesis, and have come to Exodus and the story of God hearing the cries of the Israelites and sending Moses to the rescue. Sometimes I cant help but read on with the story, others a few verses highlight new things I am learning. I read at the breakfast table. We just love the quiet of mornings where no conversation is necessary. We appreciate having one another to share our thoughts if we need to. God has been good to us. You are blessed Jenny to be able to sit outside in the mornings. Our climate doesn't always allow that, though we had a wonderful summer this year and enjoyed lots of sunshine. The Autumn is equally lovely, with clear skies and sunshine. Now we are having the first frosts of winter. Time for cosy firesides in the evening.