As I promised in my Wednesday post, I thought I'd write today on why I'm now hungrier for God's word than I have been in the past. My hope is that if you've wondered about how you could get hungrier to read God's word, what I've changed in my own life might help you. So what have I changed? #1: I have refined my thinking about God's word How we come to the table impacts our experience at the table. Sometimes on Thanksgiving I have a plan: "Reed, don't eat until dinner is served, then you'll really be stoked when that bird is served." I never follow through on that plan. I'm always munching away throughout the morning and into the early afternoon. Yet, no matter how full I am by the time dinner rolls around, I can't wait to eat because in my mind I have set aside such a special place for this particular meal. I have recently refined my thinking about God's word, giving it a matchless place in my relationship with God. It was always important, but now, it is of singular importance. I have come to believe that it will sustain me as God feeds me through it (Deuteronomy 8:3). The truth is that there is no substitute for being in God's word oneself if you want to grow closer to Christ. #2: I have refined my taste for God's word Much of what appeals to us about food is how it is presented to us. Go to a fine restaurant and they'll have thought very hard about how to present the food in the most appealing manner. They've considered color, texture, and display combinations (among other things). The end result is that when we see it, our interest is piqued and we get hungrier. I think one thing that has helped refine my taste for God's word is how I present it to myself. I've noticed that when I package it up like a fast food meal it isn't as desirable to me. On the other hand, when I set the plate appropriately (find a quiet place and time) and have appropriate variety in what I'm reading (not all Old Testament all the time, not all New Testament all the time, not all Wisdom literature all the time) it's interesting nuances and flavors come to life. This might be just me, but I've noticed that this is making a difference. It's hard to be delighted to read God's word when all you've been consuming for a few weeks is a steady diet of Numbers. Work for a quiet time and place to read a variety of Scripture over time. #3: I have refined my manner of metabolizing God's word You know what else I like about a fine dinner out? The company! A great meal becomes even better when shared with great company! If I'm dining on somethign great...I love to share it (and I love when others share what they have too)! Similarly, my hunger for God's word has grown because I'm being more intentional about reflecting on it through this blog. Funny, but it's just a whole lot more rewarding when I can share with others how my meal - God's word - is impacting me.

Want to grow your hunger for God's word? Give it a matchless place in your quest to grow closer to Christ (the best thing you can do to grow is to learn to feast on God's word yourself). Then, make sure you present it to yourself in the best possible manner; set aside a quiet place to consume it, and work toward variety in your reading and studying. Finally, share what you're learning!

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