A Psalm A Day Helps You Work, Rest and Pray

Reading is not cool. I've worked with teenagers for long enough to know that given a choice, most lads simply can't, won't or don't read for pleasure. Clearly, there is nothing wrong with going out, playing sport, being active and so on so please don't misunderstand what I am saying. What we must understand, however, is a generation of non-readers is fertile soil for spiritual deception and anaemic, lifeless Christianity. God has given us the Bible. It is His word to us and comes in the form of... a book. To access it you must read it.

Yes, there is a role for teaching, preaching, discipleship and more but foundational to a healthy, passionate, fulfilling Christian life is a sound grasp of and love for God's Word: The Bible. I have heard of testimonies from people who hate reading but once they become a Christian, they simply cannot get enough of the Bible; it comes to life in their hands as they sit down and read it, the words on the page seem to 'click' ins their minds and they understand what God is saying. I am a firm believer in praying and believing that young people with an antipathy towards reading whether that be from dyslexia, learning difficulties or just a basic lack of interest in books and words, can have their desires transformed and can experience a genuine love for the Bible. However, I also think we need to help with some practical strategies.

After spending four months in Numbers, this week I started reading through the Psalms. I love the Psalms; they are full of real, 'rubber-hits-the-road' faith experiences, finding God in the midst of darkness and difficulties and plenty of power praise and prayers exploding from within the hearts of the authors all wrapped up in a few short verses (mostly). I intend to read through a couple of Psalms a day and using both my ESV Study Bible, The Message version and my Personalised Promise Bible, soak in the revelation of these truly amazing faith songs. I know Pastor John is reading through a Psalm a day and it would be good to join with him in this excellent endeavour. During this week's Energy meeting I invited any young people wanting to be a bit more disciplined in their Bible readings to do the same: read a Psalm or two every day and use it as a springboard to spending time with God.

A religious activity this is not. No, it's a simple way to get the dust of your Bible and open up the cover. It's a practical first step in seeking to generate a deeper love for and commitment to His Word. Don't despise the day of small things! It may be that you would like to join in with this plan and commit to reading a couple of Psalms a day. If your children are in Energy, you may want to talk it through as a family and do it together. Don't get too legalistic about it, instead ask God to speak to you as you work your way through. I also encourage any of you out there who are not really readers to pray and ask God to change your desires in relation to His word. You don't have to become a bookwork, just ask Him to help you read the Bible. The results may change your life...