Hit the Books!

by Quinn Caldwell | published on Aug 5, 2015

“Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.” – Psalm 111

We don’t study much anymore, most of us.  Unless we have a test coming up or an authority figure to impress, most of us would rather receive our information like a pill: small, easy to swallow, and with a sugar coating of entertainment.  If it takes more than a couple of minutes to explain, it darn well better have a high-speed car chase or animated talking animal, or it won’t keep our attention.

Here’s what the Psalmist knew: sometimes, God does wow us with moments of beauty or insight or emotional overload, and has even been known to communicate using talking animals.  But in the pauses between these moments, learning about God is more like work.  Any scientist will tell you that behind every”Eureka!” lie thousands of hours of labor.  So too with becoming a disciple.  It takes work with the Bible, and the world, and ourselves, and the lives of the people around us.  It takes long engagement and focused attention and minute noticing.  It takes study.

So this week, hit the books.  Take a few minutes every day to study a great work of the Lord.  It might be the Bible, or a mountain, or your daughter, or something else.  Pay attention and really learn what God has done.  See if you’re not a better disciple at the end because of it.

Prayer

Your works are great, O God.  Grant me the patience to truly see your hand in them.  Amen.

ddcaldwell_2014.pngAbout the Author
Quinn G. Caldwell is the Pastor of Plymouth Congregational Church, Syracuse, New York.  His most recent book is a series of daily reflections for Advent and Christmas called All I Really Want: Readings for a Modern Christmas. Learn more about it and find him on Facebook at Quinn G. Caldwell.