Many years ago at a party in England a famous actor was asked to recite some lines for his guests. He agreed to do it and asked if there was something special that his audience would like to hear. There was silence for a moment, and then, an elderly preacher said: “Could you, sir, recite to us the Twenty-third Psalm?” A strange look passed over the actor’s face; he paused for a moment, and then said, “I can, and I will, upon one condition; and that is that after I have recited it, you, my friend, will do the same.” Surprised, the preacher replied, “But I am not a powerful speaker. However, if you wish, I will do it.”

Then the great actor began to recite the psalm. His voice and his intonation were perfect. He held his audience spellbound; and as he finished, there was a great burst of applause. As it died away, the old clergyman arose and began the psalm. His voice was not remarkable; his intonation was not faultless. When he had finished, no sound of applause broke the silence, but there was not a dry eye in the room, and many heads were bowed.

The actor rose to his feet again. His voice shook as he laid his hand upon the shoulder of the old clergyman and said, “I reached your eyes and ears, my friends; he reached your hearts. The difference is just this: I know the Twenty-third Psalm, but he knows the Shepherd.”

In the very same way, it’s possible for us to be “good” at reciting Bible texts. We can even know a lot about the Bible and what it teaches and impress others with our knowledge. But the important thing is to know the very One who speaks to us through the Bible. In other words, through our study of God’s Word,
we need to develop a friendship with Him and know Him personally. Remember, it’s not what you know, but who you know that counts.

How can we get to know God? Through our personal devotions. We must spend time with Him every day in Bible reading, reflection (thinking about what we have read), and prayer. It’s about experiencing God through the stories and lives of Bible characters who learned to trust Him through good and bad times.
This year, as you read through the stories in the Bible, why not try asking the following questions? Why did the people in the story do what they did? Who am I most like in this story? What can I learn from the people’s actions—both good and bad? What does this story tell me about God? How does this story show His love for us? How can this story change my life?

As you read from day to day, keep a journal in which you write down your answers to these and other questions. Soon you’ll get to know God as your very own Friend!