Seasons

One of the most revealing statements I have heard in a while was by John Piper. I don't have the exact phrase, but when paraphrased it goes something like, "I have had great seasons of draught and despair while reading God's word". The point he was making was that in reading the word of God he still has seasons of doubt, distress, anguish and confusion. It wasn't to long ago that I couldn't get enough of 1 Peter. God was revealing his heart and reading his word was all I wanted to do. It was a great season of clarity and discovery. Now, I find myself in some other season that is not that. I find myself being forced to read because I have to come up with curriculum or prepare for a class. Not that I don't enjoy those things in themselves, but it's the conviction and burden that I lack. Although I think that one of the main ways God reveals himself is through his word, it is obvious this isn't his only choice of revelation. Clearly I am not advocating to just stop reading as I think this is an extremely important part of a christians walk. But there are times when I feel I get nothing more out of the text than a neat story. I think it is in these times God forces us to look elsewhere to find him-in the simple things. Prayer, friends, family, good conversation, meditation on the blessings of life...I'm sure you can think of a few more. As simple as this sounds it has been difficult in practice. To rely on these nebulous intangibles, when I am so accustomed to doing something tangible (read), becomes a difficult task. My prayer is that God would reveal himself to us in whatever ways possible, in order that we may glorify him.