A Man with a Book in His Hand

AS I walked through the wilderness of this world, I came upon a
certain place where there was a den; and I lay down in that place
to sleep; and as I slept I dreamed a dream.



I dreamed, and behold I saw a man clothed in rags standing in a
certain place, with his face turned away from his own house, a
book in his hand, and a great burden on his back. I looked and
saw him open the book, and read therein; and as he read, he wept
and trembled: and not being able to contain himself any longer, he
broke out with a lamentable cry, saying, “What shall I do?” 
John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress


The book is the Word Of God. It is extremely powerful! When Holy Spirit yields it in His hands, the Word breaks through our facade. Paul wrote, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12


Many have tried to read the Bible, but have gone away frustrated. Holy Spirit must open our eyes and ears. "He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures." Luke 24:45 


Bunyan loved the Word of God. It was one of two books he brought along with him to jail. Bunyan once wrote, “I was then never out of the Bible, either by reading or meditation; still crying out to God, that I might know the truth, the way to heaven and glory.”


The man was affected by the book when he opened the book and read it. He wept and trembled. He could not contain his grief. He was truly broken over his sinful state. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Psalm 51:17


We need to open ours and read it more. It does us no good sitting on our counter, waiting for Saturday or Sunday, placing it under our arms, and marching with it to church. Choose a quiet place. Read through a gospel; Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. Proverbs and Psalms are great starts also. Ask Holy Spirit to speak to you though His word. No better time to start than, now.