Many of us go through times when bible reading seems dry and we may think, “There has got to be something more.”  At these times, one reason we may have parched souls is because we have been gathering biblical information rather than communing with the Savior.  Perhaps, as G.K. Chesterton said, our religion has become more about theology, and less about a love affair with Jesus. 

 

When we consistently reduce time in the Word to instructional sessions, rather than a way to experience Christ, dryness will settle into our souls.  Christianity is not meant to be a self-improvement program; it’s about an intimate relationship with the Savior – the God Who loves you, made you, knows the thoughts and attitudes of your heart, and desires to intimately commune with you.  Abundant life is found in living life with Him, not just knowing about Him. 

 

The devil wants to drive a wedge in Christ’s love relationship with you.  Others will tell you that you cannot experience intimacy with Him.  They may not know Him, or they may profess to know Him, but only live by religion.  They will have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3:5).  They will tell you God no longer speaks to His people, or they will try to draw you away from Him through worldly lusts so that you start living like an orphan and become just like them.  But God has called you to intimacy. 

 

The world wants to put God in a box they can understand.  The worldly mind cannot understand what the spiritual mind understands (1 Corinthians 2:14).  Others will deny the intimacy you can have with God because they have not experienced it themselves.  Living by religious rules without knowing Christ is easier because they can put Him in a box. 

 

To move to being less about theology and more about Jesus, we must take time to sit in His presence like we would sit with a friend.  This means meandering along the path of your quiet moments with Him, rather than running through your time with Him.  Talk with Him and allow His Spirit to illuminate His Word and give His thoughts to you.  And don’t forget to listen—because prayer is a two-way conversation.