I find that the busier I am, the more I am aware of the need (and
benefit) of study and meditation - be it from the pause for daily
devotions or from gathering with other Pastors and discussing (going to a
place where I will hear, not simply teach). It is when I am busy and
running around and worn - especially when I am busy with multiple
sermons and services bouncing around my head - that pause to be in the
Word - to be a hearer is such a wonderful benefit.
The worst
trick Satan has played upon us is the idea that we become too busy to
pause and be hearers of the Word. Instead we become worn and worn and
yet even more worn. Our work becomes more onerous. And we become slower
and slower. . . and the work seems to pile even higher and higher (so
of course we have less time for worship).
The Word of God refreshes. The Gospel gives joy. The Supper strengthens.
Sometimes
we as Lutherans. . . okay. . . most of the time we as Lutheran shy away
from speaking of the emotional benefits of worship and the Word -- and
this is because we don't like making absolutes about emotions - we don't
just say, "Worship should make you happy." Hearing the Word will not
always make one happy (if you are content with your sin, it most
certainly won't!).
But when you are weak, when you are heavy
laden, when you are seeing the toil and wear of the world -- you are
seeing Law, and the counter for that is Gospel, and the Gospel brings
with it joy and refreshment and wonder. And not only the Gospel, but
the joy it brings, is a good thing.
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