Wednesday, February 18 The way I am running is not aimlessly.​—1 Cor. 9:26.

[Helen Highwater]

Wednesday, February 18

The way I am running is not aimlessly.—1 Cor. 9:26.

 

Reading the Bible is a commendable goal. But more is needed if we are to benefit fully from reading God’s Word. Think of this comparison: Water, often in the form of rain, is essential to life. But if too much rain falls within a short amount of time, the ground may become oversaturated. When that happens, more rain will not be beneficial. The soil needs time to absorb the rain that has fallen and make it available to the vegetation. Likewise, we should avoid reading the Bible in a hurried manner, that is, so quickly that we fail to absorb and remember and use what we read. (Jas. 1:24) Have you found that on occasion you are merely speed-reading the Bible? What should you do? Slow down. Make the effort to think about what you are reading or have just read. You may decide to lengthen your study period to include time for such thinking, or meditation. w24.09 4 ¶7-9

[dljbsp]

I appreciate the comparison about rain and oversaturation. It makes me think of Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:26. He wasn’t just busy—he was intentional. If our reading becomes just another box checked, we may technically “cover ground,” but we’re not really running with direction.

 

Sometimes I’ve noticed that when I slow down enough to sit with a single verse—turn it over, connect it with something in my life, maybe even pray about it—that one verse stays with me longer than three chapters read quickly. It’s similar to what Psalm 1:2 says about the one who reads in a low voice day and night. That suggests lingering, not racing.