Holding Hands with Jesus

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light— for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth— testing what is pleasing to the Lord. Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. Everything exposed by the light is made visible, for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said: 'Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.' Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," - Ephesians 5:8-20

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. - John 1:1

The Bible isn’t a textbook — it’s a meeting place. It’s not meant to be read apart from the presence of God. When we open His Word, we’re stepping into a conversation, holding hands with the living Christ.

Paul tells us to live as children of light — to let our lives reflect God’s goodness, righteousness, and truth. That’s only possible when we’re regularly soaking in the light of His presence through Scripture. The more time we spend in the Word, the more our lives shine. We’re not called to shine on our own — we shine because we’ve been with Jesus.

Let this change how you approach your Bible. Instead of “getting through a reading plan,” imagine sitting across from Jesus, listening to His voice, asking Him questions, sharing your heart. He wants to meet with you. Not to burden you, but to bless you. Not to lecture you, but to lead you.

Reflection Questions:

• How would your daily Bible time change if you truly saw it as quality time with Jesus?
• What distractions or attitudes get in the way of that kind of connection?

“When you open the Word of God, you are literally holding the hand of Christ Himself.”

Prayer:
Jesus, thank You that You are not distant or silent. Through Your Word, You draw near. I don’t want to just read — I want to meet with You. Make Your presence known in my time with You. Speak clearly. Search me deeply. Shine through me brightly. Let my life reflect the Light that I receive when I walk hand in hand with You. Amen.