Invitation to Find Thin Places

I think it is fascinating how one passage of Scripture can speak to me on many different fronts.  I suppose that is what the writer of Hebrews means when he says that the 'word of God is living and active.  Sharper than a double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.'  I can understand why I am so frequently reminded that I should read my Bible every day.  To me it is practically a portal to a different world.  I have heard people talk about 'thin places'.  I find that wherever I can sit and ponder the Scriptures, I have found a 'thin place'.  For just that reason one of my favorite places in the world is my bed.  That is where I most often sit and ponder the Scriptures.

I love to have time to linger with the word.  I read it and read it again.  I like to draw charts and put the words of Scripture on one side with my thoughts on the other.  I highlight significant words in different colors and find patterns in the thoughts that I don't recognize in black and white.  

Frequently I end up jotting down more questions than answers, but I find that even those questions open up new streams of thought to me, quenching my thirsty soul with the living water of God.  Sometimes I look at a story with characters from the different perspectives of the characters.  That usually causes me to have questions, too.  Then those questions invite me to step into the throne room to gaze at the beauty of The Lord.

When I have a particularly puzzling question, I like to carry it with me as I mingle with other believers.  Frequently I will raise my question and hear the insights of others.  That is a special blessing.  I find it comforting to hear about the journey my sisters and brothers are on.  I delight to find that they are on my same path and that they have pondered these questions as well.  I learn from their insights and find that their understandings influence my own in world-changing ways.  Perhaps I change their world.  I know that they do change mine.

Sometimes when I read passages that I don't understand, I am tempted to pronounce that that passage is dry and dull.  I have heard others who have become bogged down in a difficult passage pronounce it boring.  I have probably used the word myself.  It is not truth, though.  Every time I have taken the time to meditate on and study any passage of the word of God, I have found that there is refreshment to be found.  Even the genealogies have stories to tell.

That is what it is, you know.  It is God's story of love for you and for me.  I recommend it.  If you haven't read it lately, pick up a copy that is in a translation that you can understand, and read!  You will probably find a thin place or a portal, too.  Try it!  I think you will be glad you did.