Get out of that funk and in the word!

You know, I'm generally a pretty happy person. I'm one of those irritating folks that wakes up happy and can run on about 30 seconds of sleep a day for many days straight without wigging out. One day last week, though, I felt the grouch coming on. I was getting a little cabin fever, fed up that it's still freaking freezing here, irritated that we still have to wear socks and coats every time we go outside and that the kids and I have had one illness after the other for the last six weeks. Six weeks, not exaggerating. By the end of the day, I was tired of being cranky and tired of myself. Just being honest, you know.

I knew I couldn't wake up in the same rare-form again the next day; so, I prescribed myself some Bible time, then early to bed. Sometimes we're like little kids that don't want to take our medicine, you know? It can be a struggle to sit down and take it when we need it most, but the Word of God is full of truths that make us well again - emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Followers of Christ know this, but often resist. I can think of other times when I felt anxious or agitated and, of course, the ultimate answer was seeking counsel through prayer or just studying the Word. It works every. single. time. Soooo...now that I'm getting older wiser, I think I'll start taking more "preventative medicine" and getting serious about seeking opportunities to soak in the word, and share it all throughout the day. I truly think surrounding ourselves with the word makes for a better day, everyday. I know what you're thinking - "I have a dozen children to chase, how can I get more Bible time?" or "I work 12hrs a day, I can't even see straight by the end of a shift!" 

Here are a couple ways to get into the Word other than just scheduling time to do it (though that's a great idea, too):

• Keep Bibles all around. How about the car (when you're a passenger - don't read and drive); the family room; your desk at work; the kitchen table; your night stand; an e-version on your phone, iPad, or iPod; or in the bathroom (don't act like you don't read in there!).
• Download Devotional apps. I like the John Piper (Desiring God) and Ravi Zacharias (RZIM) apps.
• Read Devotional books. I'm currently into Breaking Free by Beth Moore (love her!); I hope to follow that with Basic Christianity by John Stott. You can pick up scripture there and get some application, as well.
• Get audio versions. Bible, sermons, or books - there's audio versions abound. You can put your earbuds in and listen away. Great for passing time walking the dreadmill!

And, finally, I think it's always important to pray about what you're reading. Ask God to show you how His Word is relevant in your life and how you can use it to glorify Him. 

Hebrews 4:12 ~ "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."