Wonderful Words of Life

I had the most exhilarating trip to the grocery store today.  I know what you’re thinking, and even I am shocked to write those words, but it was truly wonderful.  On a normal outing for groceries, I have all three fosslings in tow.  Without fail it is one of the most entertaining sights you have ever seen.  Always fun, and occasionally frustrating, navigating the market with the fosslings has taught me much in the way of patience, gentleness, and instruction for my children.  We have finally reached the point where I feel like Mrs. Mallard (from our favorite Boston book) who “taught them to walk in a line, to come when they were called, and to keep a safe distance from bikes and scooters and other things with wheels (namely, grocery carts!).”  And when my darlings are the recipients of the admiration of fellow shoppers, I follow Mrs. Mallard’s lead once more and “walk with an extra swing in my waddle.”  What can I say?  I love my fosslings and they make momma proud!

Today’s grocery store venture was monumental, not because the fosslings were still snug in bed when I left the house at 6:ooam (although, let me tell you, it was a refreshing change), but because of the to and fro of my travels.  I drive 40 minutes one-way to get to my market, and today I seized the opportunity of a peaceful van ride to listen to a pod-cast of one of my favorite speakers, Allistair Begg.  My coffee mug was filled to the brim this morning, but my cup was feeling a bit empty, so I knew I needed to be filled.  Anytime I listen to one of his pod-casts, I know that I am in for something incredible.  Today, of all days, was no exception.  I could write pages about the content of his message, but instead I will simply state the one phrase that hit my heart like a dart.  “The Bible wasn’t written simply to inform us.  It was written to transform our hearts and our lives, to change us.”  This very simple, yet profound statement sent my mind into a spiral of thoughts.  And I found myself overcome with the wonder and blessing of the living words that I run my fingers through every day.

There are millions of self-help books and I have read many.  Some are helpful, some are…well…you can fill in the blank.  The entire point of a self-help book is to inform you of how you can change something negative in your life.  Fantastic.  But, it can’t make you change.  I have found some factual nuggets and encouraging personal accounts of success in such books, but my heart has never swelled up within me and been deeply convicted of the need for change as when I open the book my Father wrote for me.  Where else can I find words that are a healing salve to the sorest parts of my spirit?  What other words can chisel the crusty layer of bitterness or anger from my heart?  Find me another book who’s light is so intense that it can illuminate the darkest corners of my soul, exposing the most hidden secrets of my failings?

I love to read and I collect antique books.  But, my Bible is my most treasured book because it’s the only bound collection of words that is “living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)  That thought is both a wellspring of hope and a whirlpool of conviction.  But I can guarantee there isn’t a self-help book in this world that can reach the most buried places within you like the trenchant words of the Bible.

It is the only place I can go where I know its words will be like a “lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)  I can meditate on its words day and night and when its truths dwell richly in me I am less likely to fall into temptation.  There are times in my life that I will adopt certain mantras to encourage me to stay on the right path and make good decisions.  You know which ones have the most affect?  “Pray without ceasing.”  “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to be angry.”  “Finish the race put before you.”  “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”  “Set your mind on things above.”  “Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart.”  “Count it all joy.”  “Humble yourself and He will lift you up.”  “Come unto Me, and I will give you rest.”

I can trust the words God has given me because they are flawless. (Proverbs 30:5)  They are both my shield and my sword. (Ephesians 6:17)  My Bible is my guidebook, atlas, compass, lantern, weapon, shelter, ointment.  It is my ever-relevant, never-failing, forever-alive, perfect in any situation, gift of life.  I hope it is yours too.

I was hoping to have my cup filled a bit today.  Right now, it’s spilling all over me.