Do you know one of those people who can recall more facts and tidbits of information than books could contain? I do. In fact, I gave birth to him. My son, Sam, seems to remember anything he has read or heard in his lifetime. It’s amazing to me.
I really have to work hard to remember things I read. I can’t claim it has anything to do with age, because I’ve always been that way. I read quickly when I am reading for pleasure, but when I am reading to learn, I read very slowly. I want to make certain I am soaking it all in and have ample time to highlight and take notes in the margin. It’s a skill I learned from my father. Daddy and I like to “color” in our books. We tend to highlight every point we view as important. My older brother, David, was teasing Daddy one day and suggested he highlight the parts he didn’t want to remember because it would take less time.
There is no greater “read to learn” book than the Bible. A lot of people do not enjoy reading the Bible. They see it as outdated or difficult to understand. My advice is simple, slow down. Take your time. 2 Timothy 3:16 says “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” Since the Bible has all of that to offer, then it is worth the time invested to understand it. The Father knew we’d have difficulty understanding it on our own. He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit [Luke 11:13] to reveal the mysteries of the Word to us, but you have to ask Him for help [Ephesians 1:9; Ephesians 3:4]. Colossians 1:26 tells us the mystery has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is being revealed to the saints [those who believe in Christ Jesus]. The Holy Spirit brings revelation to those who seek it. Jeremiah 29:13 tells us “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
When we go after the things of God by investing time in the Word and asking the Holy Spirit to reveal it to us, we are obtaining treasure more precious than diamonds or gold. So, how about it? Are you up for a little treasure hunting today?