Heading into 2020, I had a deep conviction that I needed to be in God's Word on a more consistent basis. I had previously struggled with starting yearly reading plans, getting behind as the year wore on and losing my motivation. I am so thankful that the Lord put it on my heart to not lose my resolve and to continue no matter what. I had joined an on-line accountability group that was going through Robert Murray M'Cheyne's Bible Reading Plan. None of us knew heading into 2020 that a world wide pandemic would affect our daily lives but there is One who did. I am so thankful that in the midst of a year with some unique stressors that the Lord knew exactly what I needed and gave me the strength and grace to make a meaningful change. This time in God's Word over the course of that year provided ample reflection on the continuity and coalescence of Scripture. The M'Cheyne Bible Reading Plan has readers go through the entirety of the Bible as well as going through the Psalms and the New Testament twice.
Here are some quick reflections:
- This reading plan was more about being filled and saturated with God's Word rather than a slow, contemplative meditation. I think there are clear advantages to this in regards to a utilitarian exercise. I need God's Word and I was getting a lot of it on a regular basis. Reading comprehension improves with continual practice and I was pleased at how my ability to read and retain accelerated throughout the year.
- Reading the Bible will not always be this Instagram worthy quiet time in a well decorated corner with early golden light and a steaming hot cup of coffee. If we wait for the perfect and idyllic time, we won't be in the Word like we need to be. We have to prioritize it, not romanticize it. As a mom with young children, I was very much guilty of this for too long. I didn't handle the constant interruptions well and I gave up. Believer, we can't be apathetic. We have to make that time happen for the health of our souls.
- Spiritual disciplines easily transfer to other areas in our life that require physical discipline. When my mind is filled on things from above, it's much easier to put off the things of this world. I desire to eat better and be better about sleep and exercise.
- Anxiety and stress are more easily managed when we are constantly hearing from the One who is sovereign over all things. His Word speaks to us and it is such a comfort.
- Reading through the Bible, especially being in both the Old and New Testaments at the same time, creates an organic way to have a grasp of systematic theology. I was consistently in awe of the types and shadows in the Old Testament that were perfectly fulfilled in Christ. When we better understand the Bible, we can better explain the Bible. It's important for all believers to have an answer for the hope they have (1 Peter 3:15). As believers, we are all called to be apologists. Reading through the Bible is the best theology and apologetics course out there.
- As a Christian woman and mother, I am called to disciple and shepherd. When my children see me prioritizing the Word, I am evangelizing in a very practical way. I can't say Jesus is the most important person in my life and then not live a life unmarked by that claim. I want my sons to be men of the Word. I therefore need to model what being an obedient Christian looks like. I also need to be a Titus 2 woman to the various younger women in my life. It is sometimes difficult to imagine that I am now the "older woman" but there are younger girls and women that will look to me as an example.
- Reading through Scripture helped me to truly appreciate God's attributes. His omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence were on full display. This only further solidified my belief that the Doctrines of Grace (also known as Calvinism), represent an accurate view of the Lord's power and good will in reconciling sinners unto Himself.
- It made me more thankful for the work of Jesus on my behalf and the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit. This was more than an intellectual exercise. Our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Reading that much Scripture in a year helped me to love my Lord all the more. It also reignited a zeal in me to seek to glorify Him in all I do.
So what's the next step? I am going through the Bible this year again. I didn't join an accountability group at the start of 2021 and I have not been as successful in maintaining my reading. When I saw the Bible Reading Challenge post about the Same Page Summer challenge, I knew it would be a good decision to develop some accountability. The flesh is weak and there is something about knowing that I am doing this with other women that helps motivate me. Another tool has been audio versions of the Bible to help me be more consistent in spending more time in the Word. The goal is to sit and read, but knowing I can listen to God's Word helps me to be without excuse in seeking that consistency. I can listen while doing dishes and fold laundry which are things that need to happen anyway. I find my attitude towards these chores a lot more joyful because I have that feasting on God's Word to look forward to.
If you are looking for accountability in reading the Word, I'd encourage you to visit www.totheword.com to get a summer reading plan and develop some accountability. They have social media groups, podcasts and an audio Bible that is part of the church's app. It's all free. You will regret many things in life but studying and reading God's Word will never be one of them.
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