What Are You Reading?

Do you feel tired rather often these days? I’ve noticed that I do, and it seems that most people I speak to also complain of feeling tired much of the time.

I suspect our current way of life is a lot more draining than we realise, especially the tendency to relax by looking at a smartphone. Scrolling social media or reading articles on websites can seem relaxing but, in reality, it isn’t. We are not refreshed and full of energy afterwards. Instead, we are more likely to be mildly grumpy (perhaps at being interrupted), or feeling guilty at how much time we wasted, or even feeling somewhat unclean and defiled.

Last week I read a book that really helped me. It was about a man called Smith Wigglesworth. He was a deeply compassionate man who led many thousands to Christ and his ministry was accompanied by hundreds of really dramatic miracles.

But the thing that struck me most was that he carried a New Testament in his pocket at all times and read something from it every fifteen minutes! Reading God’s Word was the first thing he did when he woke up, and the last thing he did at night. He even stopped briefly between courses at meals to read a verse or two.

Someone asked him what he did to relax and he said, “I find my relaxation in the Lord’s presence.” He was never short of energy for his ministry.

That challenged me, so I tried it for a few days - reading a verse or a short section of Scripture every time I would normally reach for my phone.

Do you know, my energy levels bounced right up! I felt great every day, instead of feeling tired.

I have to admit I was very surprised at the almost immediate effect on my mood and my physical wellbeing. So now I have put a time limit on all my favourite websites, in case I forget and start reaching for the phone again. Old habits try to kick in, don’t they?

In today’s verse, Jesus invites all of us who are tired, weary, or burdened to come to Him. And He promises you will find rest in His presence. Rest for your soul - which includes your emotions and your mind.

Would you like some proper rest? Why not take Him up on His invitation and come to Jesus? Come often. Read something from the Bible and be refreshed. It really works.