Godly Envy-And I the Cause?

I was procrastinating my Bible reading this morning--don't ask me why. There was nothing on Fox News that could possibly interest me more, but then again I find such dumb reasons for saying, "I'll read later." Anyway, I finally hoisted my deadness to the bedroom and climbed on my bed so that I could finish the portion of study I did not finish last night. *so now you know about yesterday's procrastination!* When I finished I turned to James so that I could grab a scripture for the day--you know, the one about resisting the devil and he would flee from you. I decided to read the whole chapter. Then I discovered this verse:

"You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit He caused to live in us envies intensely? But He GIVES US MORE GRACE(!)" (emphasis mine) ~James 4: 4-6a~

OUCH! I don't think you could imagine the worldly things I battle. The verse clearly says, "friendship toward the world is hatred toward God." I hated my sinful mind for struggling to make myself go have a quiet time. I don't know what has come over me lately, but I seem to be struggling to have quality time in God's Word. It seems more one of those tasks that I check off at the end of each day rather than the most exciting thing I could imagine. And I hate myself for it.

But at the end of the verse it says, "And He gives us more grace." MORE GRACE? I DON'T DESERVE MORE GRACE! YET HE GIVES IT ANYWAY? And once again I am humbled in the presence of the Almighty. He wants me to draw near to Him, learn of Him, desire to never leave His presence. And when I don't, He gives me more grace. Even as His child, I am still stunned and amazed at how great He is--especially when I am not. He is ENVIOUS when I turn to other worldly desires to sate my emptiness. Envious. Imagine. My Holy Bridegroom is envious when I depart from His side. It makes me feel unfaithful. Like a bride caught in sin. And I am yet again humbled.

So now I have to ask, have you spent time in His Word today? If not, what is holding you back? When I don't get absorbed in His word it is usually because I think I am too busy, or that I can do it later. Suppose later never comes? So if your mom is not expecting you to do something right now, go spend a few moments reading your Bible. Ask God to meet you there and speak to your heart. It'll be worth it.

He is jealous----jealous for YOU!

In the service of the King,
Sarah Leathers