All scripture is beautiful because it is God breathed. Some scripture is melodic and rolls right off the tongue. Some scripture is more difficult to speak. Some scripture is easily understood. Some scripture is only understood with prayer and revelation by God. But, all scripture is beautiful because it was whispered by the One.
We recite scripture in our worship services, at funerals, at weddings, at anniversaries, at special events. We memorize scripture for times of fear, anger, comfort, strength, exaltation, hope, honor, praise.
One of the most widely recognized scriptures is the 23rd Psalm.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leaded me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear not evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: though anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
This is such a beautiful Psalm. But to be flat out honest, usually when these verses are recited in unison, it is just downright depressing. Could we be any less dramatic? Any less enthusiastic? Anyone else feel that way? We recite it in monotone, as slow as we can possibly go. It is just a dirge! We certainly don’t make it sound like the breath of God whispered to His children.
If you carefully read the words, visualize the sights and sounds of David’s time, Psalm 23 is not actually a dirge, it’s a psalm of praise! Check this out:
The Lord protects me!
He is all I need!
I find rest in him!
He is my strength!
He leads the way and when I am following His lead, He is glorified!
When I travel through tough times and my spirit is crushed,
I won’t be afraid because He is always with me!
His love, mercy and grace are constantly protecting me!
He shows my enemies how much He adores me!
He honors me, even when I’m not honorable!
His love for me is overflowing!
His mercy and love seek only
good for me every day!
And I will live with the
One True God in eternity,
forever!
I don’t know about you, but that sounds like praise to me. That sounds like something we can call upon for comfort, for strength, for support, for blessing. Our cup runneth over, isn’t that worth a little enthusiasm people? What I have recently learned is that it is my attitude toward the Bible that really matters. How I read it. I’m learning to read the Bible the way I believe God meant for it to be read. Reverently, respectfully, hopefully, joyfully, expectantly, instructionally.
Are you a checkmark person? I’m a checkmark person. I love, love, love making checkmarks. Any other checkmarkers out there? Give me a list and I can go to town. Check-Check-Check-Check-Check. I used to be a Bible checkmarker. When I read the Bible I would mentally make checkmarks. Love your neighbor – check. Be charitable – check. Do not kill – check. Do not steal (if that doesn’t include postits from my employer) – check. Be patient – check(ish). Be kind – check. Love the Lord God with all your heart – check, check and double-check! You too!?!
Flat out, I wasn’t reading the Bible the right way. If I read it seeking the character of God and expecting Him to reveal his character to me, and not looking to make checkmarks of God, I will be making checkmarks like crazy. This is how it works. If I’m mirroring His imagine, I will love God the way He loves me – check. If I’m mirroring His image, I will love my neighbor – check. If I’m mirroring His image, I will not kill, by hand or by heart – check. If I’m mirroring His image, I will not steal, even scrap paper that doesn’t belong to me – check. If I’m mirroring His image, I will be kind – check. You get it, right? It’s all about Him!
It is exciting to read the Word of God because all scripture reflects the character of God. All scriptures are His whispers to us. Yes, scripture can put us in our place, but instead of reading or reciting scripture as a dirge, we need to read and recite looking for his character. In looking for His character, we will see His guidance, direction, encouragement, discipline, support and blessings. The Creator of the Universe revealing himself to us! Isn’t that worth a little enthusiasm people?
We need to read the scriptures like they really matter, because they do. Not like a dirge and not for the checkmarks. Alistair Begg seems to say it best: “The confidence of heaven is in the Word of God. If you want to know God, if you want to consider God, if you want to know if God knows you, read the Bible.”
Thank you for the reminder. 💗
Good not agree more.
Oh, how many times have I wished to hear the words recited with emotions. Then the Word becomes joyful and alive. I always thought it was just the story teller in me glad to know I’m not alone.