So, how can we develop a healthy “Bible time” habit? This conversation may take a few weeks. But, before we get going, I hope that Bible reading and journaling becomes just that for us, a healthy routine. But why? So that we may fully know the God of creation and the grand narrative of all time. Biblical devotion is an action we should take daily, not as a work to please God, it does, but as a habit that empowers a deep and prosperous relationship with our triune God, we might delight in Him and our divine purpose.
Many today ask, “Can we even really know God?” The answer is so simple. Yes, yes, you can, but to do so, we must consistently read and meditate on His Word, the Bible. Time to read, pray, memorize, and apply the Word is always a fruitful investment. I would add that Bible reading is more than a thing to do on a daily “to-do” list; it is a real relational investment with God.
In some ways, I wish we all had a Bible addiction. One where we would feel the withdrawals if we stopped, even for just one day, longing for our quiet time with Jesus. Yet, to know God, it is to know His Word. In our hand, the Bible can be understood as the grand cosmic narrative concerning His redemption of all creation.
That plan all revolves around Jesus. He said, “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.” (John 5:39–40) The writer to the Hebrews says, “Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—In the volume of the book it is written of Me—To do Your will, O God.’” (Hebrews 10:7, also see Psalm. 40:6–8).
Many today want an engaging relationship with God yet are unwilling, or feel unable, to put the time and energy into the divine relationship of our faith. Sadly, many are addicted to countless hours of input from a media addiction they do not even recognize and cannot or are unwilling to find the time to pour themselves into the most important relationship of all time—one with God. Consider this: have we become too busy for Jesus because of bad habits?