It is a truth universally—or at least cyber-locally—acknowledged that I maybe, possibly, just slightly…happen to really love Tim Tebow.
So when my beyond awesome ER doctor friend Laura* posted the following on my facebook wall earlier this week, I might’ve squealed a little. No, let’s be honest. I was taking a drink of iced coffee at the time and did a choke-snort-laugh sort of thing that totally would’ve made an onlooker’s day as much as the photo made mine:
In case the font is fuzzy, here’s what the caption says: “Hey girl, The word of God is living and active…just like my love for you.” Hi-lar-ious!
Here’s the thing: I actually started thinking seriously about this yesterday. Um, not the general awesomeness of Tim Tebow, but the part about the Word of God being living and active. And I had to ask myself, “Do you really believe that, Melissa?” Do I believe the Bible is alive, that it’s active today, in the world, in my life?
And I couldn’t help thinking back a few years to a time when I was going through a particularly hard year emotionally. I like to think I’m pretty even-keeled, but that year the roller coasters at Six Flags had nothing on me. Nothing was working out the way I’d planned.
But I remember in that year reading the Psalms over…and over…and over. And I’ve still got prayer journals from that season, filled with scribbles about what I felt compared with what the Psalmists felt…and what I knew I believed deep down, the way the David always ends his Psalms declaring what he believes.
In that year, the Bible was so incredibly alive to me. It was active. It changed my heart again…and again…and again.
I want that to be my experience every time I sit down to open God’s Word. I think it takes a certain condition of the heart, though—a willingness to hear, to be vulnerable, to consume and be consumed.
And it starts with desire.
How about you? Have you seen the Bible as living and active in your life? How so?
*My friendship with Laura goes back to childhood. Thought I’d point that out just in case anybody wonders if I’m her friend solely because she’s an ER doctor and I’m accident prone. Haha! That’s not the reason why, but let’s not kid ourselves–one day Laura’s occupation may come in handy.
**I know I’m supposed to provide credit for my photo source. But I honestly don’t know where on the web it came from other than my facebook wall! So I’m hoping I don’t get scolded, sued or cyber-smacked.
Comments 27
Great post. I do think that it’s living and active in my life because it changes me. Not like a self help inspires me or a novel can shift my perspective, but it truly shapes my heart and soul.
That’s a cool contrast, Julie, between the Bible and other books. Stories have this amazing way of impacting me, but the Bible goes beyond that…working in my life, I think, in ways I don’t even realize.
Love the picture and this post! I see it every day. It’s there, we just have to get in tune and pay attention! 🙂
LOL, for a minute I thought you meant you see the photo every day. Hehehe…
You’re right…we just have to tune in. I think that’s my problem sometimes. I’m easily distracted.
Hehe, that pic made me giggle!
I know that Gof had used His Word in many ways in my life. And to me, that’s why it’s acive. Sometimes the same verse can both comfort me and challenge me, depending on what’s going on in my circumstances. It doesn’t change itself, but it’s application in my life might.
Ick, typin on my phone often produces some interesting errors. God, not Gof!
I think God will forgive the typo. 🙂 Cool thoughts–on the words not changing, but their application shifting. You’re so right–there are spots where that’s exactly what happens.
It was from this website: http://heychristiangirl.tumblr.com. There are several that are super funny there- but when I saw that one I couldn’t help but share it with you- it was BEYOND perfect! I really like this post, though. I have kind of been struggling with feeling like my Bible reading is just a routine or something to check off- and I really do want to hear from God every single time I read my Bible. Love you!
And now, I’m pretty sure I will need to visit that website every. single. day. Thank you for making my week!
I go through the same struggle at times, Laura. Sometimes I wonder if God is thinking, Melissa, stop trying to learn something new, and instead, just experience me. Maybe he doesn’t have a lesson, per se, to teach me every time I open the Bible–maybe it’s more about just soaking in His presence, being refreshed and remembering what this whole life thing is all about.
Love you too!! I need to visit Waterloo!
I think my circumstances play a role in how I view scripture. It seems my heart is much more receptive to His word when I am in the middle of a trial…or having a mountain top experience. But sometimes, when my life is ordinary, routine, busy, I slip into that frame of mind during my quiet time. Thanks for the reminder that every day it’s living and active and sharper than a two-edged sword.
I experience that, too, Pat. Sharper than a two-edged sword…awesome. 🙂
Oh yes, there have been many, many times He’s shown His Word is living and active, and yet each time I’m blown away by it–why is that???
Great post – and that caption made me snort a bit too, and I’m not even in love with the guy:)
Have a great weekend!
Hehe, yeah, I think it’s hilarious that I’m still surprised by God’s awesomeness when over and over, He’s put it on display. It’s fun to be surprised, but at the same time, shouldn’t I expect to be amazed by the living, active nature of His word?
Yeah, the caption is hilarious. I should probably clarify that I’m not actually in love with Tim Tebow. I try only to fall in love with people I’ve actually met. But I DO think he’s the best thing that ever happened to the world of sports. 🙂
What? You mean you haven’t met him yet? Just stalking???
No, no clarifying necessary, I know you’re just playing (though if he showed up on your door…) 😉
His Word moves everything in my life.
Yes and amen!
Oh, I so wish I knew Tim Tebow and could the two of you up! 🙂 One of the first things I learned about you was your crush on the Quarterback!
I’ve definitely had seasons where God’s Word is living and active in the particular area of my need, but I always view God’s Word as seed – it’s planted in my heart no matter what season I’m in – sometimes it takes root because the season is right and the soil is ready, other seasons it lays dormant until things change – but the more I read, the more is planted. It’s amazing!
could *set* the two of you up!
Ooh, I love that, Gabe–God’s Word as a seed. Maybe I don’t always see what it’s doing in my heart, but at the right time, I will. Awesome. 🙂
You crack me up, Melissa! I didn’t know you adored Tim Tebow so much. How did I miss that very important fact about you?
Hebrews 4:12 isn’t ever far from my mind because there isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t see His Word actively working – whether in me, through me, or in someone else. I love the fact that Scripture is literally God’s magnificent breath on the page that we are privileged to inhale. Then He places us with certain people or in certain places where He wants us to exhale. Then we are privileged to witness the life He brings through it.
His Word is IT, Girl. Just IT!
Haha, Donna, yeah, I read the guy’s book. Apparently that’s all it takes for me to join the swooning girls club. 🙂
Oh my goodness, I love you’re imagery–God’s breath, we inhale and exhale it to the world. That’s beautiful AND a wonderful way to look at life and our purpose here. Love it!
your not you’re. And I call myself a writer…
I love your heart for the Lord, Donna! This is beautiful.
And I thought I was he the only “closet” Tebow admirer! 🙂
Loved your thoughtful post. The older I get, the more I experience the truths in God’s word. My daily devotional book, “Jesus Calling” has been a wonderful source of inspiration. So many days, I am absolutely convinced the words on the page were written for me. Familiar verses may be cited, but suddenly God is choosing to reveal the truths to me in a new way. A more applicable, loving way that stirs my soul and opens my eyes to His most astonishing love.
Haha, there’s no “closet” about my admiration. Hehehe…
Ooh, my mom has actually called me to read me “Jesus Calling” devotionals more than once. I need to get that book!
How about this?
“You have made my heart beat faster, my sister, my bride; you have made my heart beat faster with a single glance of your eyes….” Song of Solomon 4:9
That gets me ALL stirred up! I love it when Jesus whispers this stuff to me – in the words of a song that resonates in me, in a scripture verse that speaks in a new and unique way to me, in a letter – or a post! – from a friend. He IS alive and well and PASSIONATE about letting us know.
Blessings!
“He IS alive and well and PASSIONATE about letting us know.” So incredibly true, Becky, and so incredibly awesome!