I have recently found a new insatiable craving in my life.  A craving that, as of late, I have not been able to quench and to be honest I hope that I am never able to quench.  It is a craving for what Peter describes as the ”pure spiritual milk of the word” (1 Peter 2:2). And it is a craving that I hope will remain in my life until the very day I see my Savior face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12) and only then to be replace by a stronger and more delightful craving for the ongoing presences of the only Son of God.

This can partially be attributed to a new found love for reading.  Growing up, reading was the last thing I wanted to do.  I always thought that I had something better to do than to sit down and reading a book.  Sadly enough, I did not read a full book through until 6th grade (and only read that one book until 11th grade). My mother-in-law would be appalled at this fact (she is a librarian) but sadly it is true.  I look back and regret that decision now because as of late I have become an avid reader.  I can’t think of anything better than to go into the mountains, brew a good cup of coffee, sit in a rocking chair and open a great book (I got to do this over the weekend).  But there is another thing that has attributed to both my love of reading and new insatiable craving for the Word. And that is my delight shifting from myself, and the things this world has to offer, to Christ and Him alone. 

I have recently understand how Paul can say “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21) or “I count all things as rubbish compared to the value of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord” (Phil. 3:8).  My eyes have been opened to the glory that John and the author of Hebrews write about, being the “glory as of the only Son from the Father” (John 1:14) and the “radiance of the glory of God” (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus Christ truely is the greatest treasure we can obtain. So I love reading things that pertain to Him and His glory. 

I began by reading books, books that were filled with Scriptures, but none the less they were books.  Recently (after running out of free books to read) I realized that I already had something greater than any book available to read.  I had the very inspired Word of God at my disposal any time I would like it.  So I picked up my Bible reading plan (one that goes through a Bible is a year) and began to read.  I have failed this particular attempt before because it was done out of discipline or guilt but I found something new as I picked it up again.  I couldn’t put it down! As I began to read I began to crave more.  I was blown away with what I read and longed to continue reading.  I spent hours upon hours reading.  I wanted to make sure I always had my Bible around to read when I got the chance.  I have an insatiable craving!

You see, you don’t have to tell an avid reader to remember his/her book they are currently reading.  If you notice, they always have it with them.  And any free chance they have the book is opened and their eyes are glued to the pages.  This is how we should be with the Word.  We should be the avid reader that takes the Bible with us whereever we go and can’t wait to find time to open it. We should have an insatiable craving for the Word of God.

I challenge you to spend a week with the Bible close by, and every time you have a spare moment pick it up and begin to read (I suggest starting with the Gospels).  Just read! But never let the Word leave your side and you will begin to see the craving swell up in you as well. Put whatever book you might be reading down and pick up the scriptures that have been “breathed our by God (1 Tim 3:16). Spend a week doing this, if you can spend a month. Watch as the craving becomes stronger and stronger. Try it…I dare you

- one with an insatiable craving