When I hear people read a storybook to children, they read with so much emotion and confidence. Why, then, do Christians typically read the Word of God aloud like they would read the obituary in the local newspaper? Our job as the reader of the Bible or any other book is to relay what the writer is trying to convey to his audience.
The other day I heard a friend read a Psalm and I was disheartened at how poorly he relayed the emotion that was packed in those precious words.
God has blessed me with many fine examples of reading the Bible correctly. I will mention just a few: Mike Tong, Brian DeWire, Joe Rigney, and my Pastor, John Piper. I’m invigorated every time I hear these men read Scripture. But for every one of these men, there are many Christians doing the Word of God an injustice by reading it like they are downhearted or morose by what they are reading.
May we read the Word of God in light of the great work that he has done in our lives. May we love God through our reading his Word with happiness and joy.
7 My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast!
I will sing and make melody!
8 Awake, my glory!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn!
9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
10 For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!
Psalm 57:7-11