Gardening the Soul: Communing with the Host of the Party

I am holding in my hands my invitation to this phenomenal feast (Is.55). But as I read my invite more carefully, I am stunned! I am not directed to a distant corner of the banquet hall where I need binoculars to see the head table. I am ushered to the front where I can commune with the Host of the party: "listen to me. . . come to me. . . hear me.”  As J.I. Packer reminds us, "God sends His word to us in the character of both information and invitation. It comes to woo us as well as to instruct us."

Thus, whenever I accept God's invitation to commune with Him through his word, I am not coming to a book that is dated and dusty. I find the life-nourishing words of the living God speaking to me. A.W. Tozer explains: "A loving Personality dominates the Bible, walking among the trees of the garden and breathing fragrance over every scene. Always a living Person is present, speaking, pleading, loving, working, and manifesting Himself whenever and wherever His people have the receptivity necessary to receive the manifestation."

I recently visited a Christian college classroom that was studying the gospels. After some small group discussion, the professor concluded with a lecture. But he never opened his Bible. He never quoted the Bible. Though he cited a few Biblical references, he spent most of his time reading quotes from other sources. Though there is a critical role for Christian books (I hope someone reads my books!), Christian education often leans too heavily on these books. These books can never be a substitute for teaching students how to meet with God through his word. We must all develop the ability to draw water for ourselves,  drinking deeply from God’s unlimited well.

Is there an emptiness in your busyness? Do you frequently experience an aching loneliness even though your days are filled with stimulating people and meaningful work? Then shut this book. Find a quiet place. Take your Bible and a notebook—read, listen, pray, ask, write, pray, ask, write, read, listen, pray. Ask God to pour his living water into your parched soul.