This past week I was thrown into the deep, dark abyss, where there is gnashing of teeth, known as strep throat. Last Sunday evening I preached through a fever. I went home planning to sleep hard (as I always do Sunday night), waking up Monday morning feeling much better. No such luck. In fact, I never went to sleep Sunday evening. I was up all night.
My throat felt like it was covered in glass. I couldn’t swallow anything. Even worse? The only enjoyable thing about being sick wasn’t enjoyable—I could barely swallow ice cream. Somehow I managed to eat half a gallon, but that’s another issue for another time. Don’t judge me.
At work on Tuesday (without realizing I had strep throat), I finally surrendered and went to the doctor where I was diagnosed. I received a powerful shot and some antibiotics. Praise God for modern medicine and doctors. Within a few hours, due to the medication, I was already beginning to feel a little bit better. By Thursday I was almost completely well. And today, on Sunday, I’m back in the saddle ready to preach. But it all started with one shot and one pill on Tuesday. Without it, it wouldn’t have been possible.
The writer of Hebrews tells us in Hebrews 4:12 that “…the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow.”
The psalmist of Psalm 1 said that a man who is truly “blessed” is the man who “…delights in the law of the Lord, and on his law he mediates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” (Ps 1: 2-3)
I believe that the word of God does for our souls what antibiotics do for our bodies.
That’s why strep and Scripture can be in the same title.
The word of God completely changes how we feel. It strengthens us when we are weak. It soothes us when we are in pain. It calms us when we are worried. It challenges us when we are comfortable. It humbles us when we are proud. It educates us when we are ignorant. And it does all of these things quickly.
I chose to go the doctor because I was desperate. And I went to the doctor knowing it would cost me money. But it was worth every cent.
We must go to the word of God, not because we’re desperate, but because we’re hungry. Hungry for His wisdom. Hungry for His message. Hungry for His love. Hungry for His guidance. Hungry for His friendship. Hungry for His promise.
And going to the word of God doesn’t cost us a dime. Just time.
If you need that “shot in the arm” (no pun intended), pick up a Bible. It makes all the difference. And it cures much BIGGER problems than strep throat.
Time with the Great Physician is time well spent. Always.