Good morning. I do not remember which book I would have read it in, but Max Lucado told the story about a friend of his. The friend fell madly in love with a young woman while at college, nothing strange about that. But this young lady was an aspiring opera singer. This meant that she spent much of her time in the music department, and it also meant that if Max’s friend wanted to spend time with her (which he did) he would have to accompany her to various concerts and performances. This wasn’t really his cup of tea, but it the name of love….you know. After their college days they were married, and while she was talented, she was not quite capable of making her living singing opera. That in no way diminished her love for music, and for opera in particular. Because her young husband loved her dearly, they, as a couple, never missed an opportunity to attend any opera performance available. The young husband was a country music, Monday Night Football kind of guy, so he and opera were not exactly on the best of terms. They would attend, she would weep, and he would sleep. Finally, his bride called him out on this, asking why he couldn’t at least try to learn to enjoy it. Not knowing the difference between staccato and fortissimo, and not really caring, the process of learning to enjoy opera was difficult for him. But he was motivated, and in time, once he had learned more about the music and the methods of performing it, he found that he began to enjoy it. This was especially true since he now had something to discuss with his wife on their way home from a performance.
I believe that we too can learn to not only accept some things, but even to enjoy them, when we give ourselves to the proper mindset and training that is required.
I know that for many people, Bible study and prayer seem more like a chore than a joy. Because of this mindset, it is a challenge to find the time to meet with God in His Word or in the personal communication of prayer. How do we get past that challenging way of thinking which leads to good intentions but poor results? We must apply ourselves to the task and commit ourselves to the process of learning and developing these disciplines. It starts with setting a time and place. This isn’t the same for everyone. Some are morning people, some not so much. Consider these examples: But I call to You for help, Lord; in the morning my prayer meets You. Psalm 88:13
May my prayer be set before You as incense, the raising of my hands as the evening offering. Psalm 141:2
Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. Psalm 55:17
As for your time, choose what works best for you. As for the place, some sit under a tree, some close themselves into a prayer closet, some study and pray in their kitchen, others in their office or den. Once again, what is important is developing the habit, making this event an ordinary and expected part of your day. The time and place are up to you, as long as your heart and your mind are ready to move closer to God.
Bring at least two Bibles. Choose one that is known as a good study Bible. I am often suggesting the ESV version these days, finding it to be more accurate while continuing to be fairly “readable.” But bring along another translation, or a quality paraphrase. Eugene Peterson’s The Message is excellent. It doesn’t pretend to be literal in translation, rather it is the author’s best, well educated, interpretation and expression of what the Word of God is speaking to him in any given passage. For instance, he expresses Psalm 1:2 “Chew on Scripture day and night.” While the ESV says, “On His law, he meditates day and night.” What I am suggesting is that such an approach will cause you to think more, consider options, perhaps be motivated for further investigation. All of which are good things. Never forget to join together Bible study and prayer. It is the Holy Spirit who can guide our hearts into deeper understanding and without Him, we are limited.
We need to bring an open heart and mind to these moments. James 1:25 puts it this way (as I share both the ESV and The Message): But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. ESV
But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action. – The Message
It is a learning process, but one that is worthy. We need to personalize our times with our Father. We need to be open and ready to learn and to enjoy. We must be prepared to meditate on truths that are deep and upon joys that make our hearts sing.
I can’t say that I ever learned to love opera, but I would hope that with the proper effort and training I could do so. I do know that I have come to love my time with the Lord. It is engaging, rewarding, enlightening, encouraging, guiding, and a blessing. And yes, it took time to develop that understanding and feeling, but it is well worth it!
Vern