by Elece Hollis
Remember the days when nice homes had studies? Your father, or maybe your grandfather, sat in his study after supper reading, perusing the newspaper, paying bills, or typing a letter. Behind him were shelves filled with books, a trophy or keepsake or two. He might have gone there to relax and smoke a pipe. The door was closed if he needed quiet to concentrate, requiring you to knock if you wanted to say goodnight and discuss a problem.
Decisions were made there. Sometimes discipline was applied there. Isolated from the business of life, it became the place for private conversations, and a room where needs were discussed, and plans were made.
Times have changed. Now nice homes have television rooms, computer gaming rooms, offices, even theaters. Computers, cell phones, and multiple television sets have changed the way we communicate, the way we shop, how we pay bills. We have more leisure time and somehow, we have less for contemplation and study. Many homes don’t have desks, except for one holding a computer. Many homes don’t have books at all. A cook can look for recipes online and a reader can read on his phone, computer or a reader tablet.
We need time to relax in peaceful and quiet spaces. In addition, we need a place for personal reverie and conversations with those we love.
The Bible teaches us that to do well and have success, we should have a “study.” We do not need a room necessarily, as much as a time and place set apart for reading God’s words, for studying them, for conversing with the Lord, and for meditating upon His powerful words.
We can pray and share with God our needs, find answers to our questions, and seek guidance on important decisions. During our quiet time, we can visit with Him and share our deepest hopes and concerns. We can also disclose our hurts and reveal our wounds.
The Bible overflows with God’s words. Its 66 books hold the secrets of all time, the history of the universe and of our earth. In its pages, we can discover a wealth of wisdom, the gospel of Christ, and the meaning of life. During times of need, we can find comfort and help, as well as guidance and counsel in decision making. Discipline and encouragement leap off its pages, and we can grow and learn to live a God-filled life. Best of all, we come to know the character of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Reading God’s words each day, and concentrating on them, we can learn to obey His teachings with all our hearts. Joshua 1:8 and Joshua 21:45 both encourage us in our relationship with God. Studying the teachings of Christianity is the precursor to obeying His laws and experiencing a fulfilling life.
If you want to respond to Elece, send her an email at elecehollis@gmail.com