Okay, be honest with me here. Have you ever thought, “What am I going to read in the Bible today? There’s not much I don’t already know. It’s going to say the same old thing”?

Raising my hand.

It’s probably more common than you realize. We think it when we forget that the Bible is alive, just like its author.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12

It’s not like the kid’s latest Dr. Seuss obsession. Not the “No, I can’t read Hop on Pop one. more. time.” feeling.

God speaks to us when we read his word, if we read with ears open to hear him.

Can we read it without hearing him speak? Yes.

Can you talk to the grocery store clerk without getting to know her? Yes.

To get to know someone, you spend time with them. You listen to them. You put the pieces together and come to understand who they are. The same holds true for God and his word. The time we spend reading his word, listening to his voice in our hearts, thinking about him and then conversing back results in a deeper relationship with him.

I love that God always surprises me. In the middle of feeling overwhelmed with life lately, I discovered an amazing tool called the Passion Planner. I’ve been using it to really search out what my dreams are and how to best pursue them one step at a time. It feels incredibly daunting.

But the day God reminded me of Zerubbabel’s story I discovered this verse. One I never knew existed.

Then another message came to me from the Lord: “Zerubbabel is the one who laid the foundation of this Temple, and he will complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent me. Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” Zechariah 4:9-10 NLT

Did you hear that, folks? THE LORD REJOICES TO SEE THE WORK BEGIN!I think I’ve always believed that God was happy when I scratched things off my list, but never realized he was happy even to see me start something. To take that first step. To step up to the plate and take a breath. It’s a truth I never knew was in scripture, even after years of study.

The people of God were discouraged by the job of rebuilding the temple but God encouraged them with these words. God was thrilled with their work, even though they had only laid the foundation. And he would be the one to see them through to the end.

God walks with us every step of our journey. Do we fully relish our relationship with him? Do we know his opinion on the challenges we face? Do we laugh with thankfulness for his gifts? Do we lean on his strength when we’re tired? Do we accept his comfort when we’re down and out? He’s there, and we can find his truth in the pages of his word.