Read the Bible...Together

God’s Word has been a wise, faithful, and honest friend that has stayed with me every season. The Bible has been my source of joy in moments of deep sorrow. It’s been my hope when depression held a tight grip. It’s been a guide and source of truth when my paths have swerved and led to more dead-ends than roundabouts. The Bible has provided the anchor my soul needed while inviting me to trust that the Father loves me. It’s taken two decades of opening the Bible and asking the Lord, “Open my eyes that I might behold the wonders of your law” (Psalm 119:18).

Aligning daily Bible readings with the church calendar year is a helpful rhythm. Advent and Lent prepare my heart for Christmas and Easter and connect me with believers worldwide.  Every few years, I enjoy following a one-year Bible reading plan. Though daunting, it is one of my favorite Bible-reading routines. Speaking of routines, I have developed a sacred morning routine with the help of my husband. Each morning, he brings me a piping hot cup of mint tea as I sit in my robin’s egg Ikea chair, wrapped in my Thailand blanket. My Ember cup of tea, chair, and blanket are tangible representations of how God’s Word has been faithful to me over the years. They make me long to sit with my Bible open, begging God to let the minutes pass a bit slower until I must wake up the kids. Other practical items I find extremely helpful are the ESV Study Bible, liturgies, prayer books such as this or this, and a good pen.

Seasons of frustration and disappointment are the most challenging in staying consistent with Bible reading. Over a year ago, we left Belgium with a few suitcases for furlough. With each visa rejection, the reality began to set in that we would not be returning to Belgium. During this season, I found little joy in my Bible reading. I opened my Bible more with anger than eagerness. I flipped those pages so hard it’s a miracle they didn’t tear. Yet, even in those months when it felt that joy and hope had been sucked out of me, I stayed at it. I woke up each day (without my Ikea chair and blanket, as it was collecting dust in Belgium) and opened my Bible. The habit of my daily readings directed my body and mind, and eventually, my heart followed.

I signed up for the James study weeks after moving to Indiana. Though I didn’t know anyone, I knew my heart needed God’s Word and community. Our little James table group turned out to be a great blessing. These women became friends and sisters who welcomed this misfit with open arms. As we sat around the table, beautiful things happened. My vertical relationship with the Father and my horizontal relationships with these women was strengthened. Stones is blessed with solid, vibrant, multigenerational Bible studies. I encourage you to sign up for one this year and see what God does!