This devotional is not for everyone —it’s for you. It’s going to be very personal — maybe even probing. It’s check-up time. It’s time to ask yourself a direct question: When have I last craved my Bible? Do you know exactly where your personal reading Bible is right now? I remember someone lamenting that they now leave their Bible in the car until the next service they attend. If you have migrated from a hard copy Bible to the digital format, is your Bible app opened daily? Or, could it be plummeting in its ranking to one of the top ten most seldom used apps on your phone or device?

Some of us follow a daily Bible reading Plan, and that’s good. Keep at it. The Reading Plan at least provides a structure for us to form and maintain a good habit. But when have I last opened my Bible with anticipation and excitement? Seriously! When have I thought to myself: “One more thing left to do in my chores, and then I will be able to sit quietly and have my soul nourished by God’s Word?”

Psalm 1 is cherished not only because we see Christ’s outer and inner life beautifully portrayed but also because of the challenge it brings us as we ponder our priorities and what delights our own hearts.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalms 1:1-2 ESV

Christians who are doing well spiritually love reading their Bible. It genuinely is spiritual nourishment and refreshment for them. Some highlight a phrase or a verse; others write down the thought they just enjoyed reading a particular verse or chapter. How long has it been since you texted someone a little but great heart-warming thought — something you found uplifting and thrilling to your soul — or comforting and reassuring

Lots of Christians score highly on the checklist that too many use to gauge a Christian’s performance. They pass that test with flying colours. They meet all those requirements. But ‘panting for the Bible’ goes to the very core of who a maturing and thriving Christian is. These believers are excited when their day allows them to spend more time in God’s Word than they initially thought. Perhaps it was a cancellation, a delay, or an easier and quicker task to complete than anticipated, freeing up some unexpected time to read their Bible – which in turn made their day.

“Oh,” you say, “they’re bookworms. I’m not one of those types. I’m not a student or a reader. I have to be ‘doing’ something. I am too restless. I just can’t pick up my Bible and go off in a corner and enjoy reading it … or any other book for that matter. And even listening to the audio Bible —well, I can’t concentrate, and I find the narrator’s accent aggravating after a while.” Do you mind being told – that’s a bit of a cop-out!

Christians walking closely with the Lord enjoy their Bible – regardless of their literacy levels. Adults who were illiterate before they trusted Christ learned how to read, and today, they love reading their Bible despite the tedious nature of the ‘reading’ process for them. Christians who are visually impaired or have some other challenge love to ‘read’ their Bible by listening to it on audio. Regardless of the process or format a Christian uses for their personal intake of the Word of God, the point is Christians who love the Lord love the Scriptures too — yes, love!

Here’s an ancient testimony of a person who recorded his feelings about the Word of God. Can you relate to his sentiments? Instead of the personal pronouns like I, my and me – try inserting your own name each time to see if it truly reflects how you are feeling today about the Word of God.

…Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments. Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me… Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes. My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law. Psalm 119:128-136

Have you ever seen a thirsty dog excitedly waiting while its Master fills its dish with fresh water? The dog anxiously stands by with its mouth open —and what is it doing? Panting!

Have you ever panted for your Bible – craving some quiet time to let the Word of God sink and soak into your heart? Have you ever sincerely prayed that the Word of God would closely regulate your footsteps and lifestyle? Have you ever wept when you have seen a Christian friend drift away from their Bible and from walking closely with the Lord?

If you and your Bible have been drifting further and further apart for one reason or another, why not let today be the day you rediscover its beauty and allow its contents to nourish and feed your soul?

As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Psalm 42:1-2

No time is too late in any given year to start following a Bible Reading Plan. Choose your plan and then start reading the chapters listed for that date. Yes, you will not have read the earlier chapters, and it may seem like you are awkwardly jumping into parts of your Bible without much context. Regardless of how it feels, just start with the reading plan for that day. Within a few days, you will get into the flow of the story or the teaching. What you missed earlier this year, you will be able to read next year.

Be sure of this — no Christian can survive spiritually (let alone thrive) when the Word of God is not regularly nourishing our souls. Let’s make it a priority moving forward as the Lord spares us.