Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me . . .

This opening line is from a beautiful hymn written by Clara H. Scott in 1895, shortly before her death. It was inspired by Psalm 119, verse 18. She had been reflecting on all God had for people to see and understand — and they missed it. Ms. Scott died in 1897 after being thrown from her carriage by a spooked horse.

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A close friend and longtime Bible teacher said it was not until she received a grim medical diagnosis that Psalm 23 came alive for her. She clung to that psalm, speaking it aloud throughout the day and emphasizing different words to bring it deeper into her mind and heart. She did it like this: THE LORD is my shepherd, the Lord IS my shepherd, the Lord is MY shepherd, the Lord is my SHEPHERD.

It makes a difference when we take time to think about a scripture. To linger a while.

Sometimes, I have wondered how Jesus’ parents lost him for a full day before realizing he was missing. They were on their way home from Jerusalem where they had been to celebrate the Feast of the Passover. Mary and Joseph thought Jesus was in the caravan of friends and family. He was just 12 years old, plus they knew their son wasn’t just any child, so I admit to thinking it seemed irresponsible. Recently when I read and lingered there, I saw a personal meaning. It reminded me that I also can lose sight of Jesus without immediately realizing it. It brought home a truth to me. (Read the story in Luke 2:41-47.)

What is your takeaway on the story of the wedding in Cana of Galilee when the host ran out of wine? It was Jesus’ first miracle (John 2:1-11). Do you think about how his mother took charge? His obedience to his mother? What the servants were thinking as they filled the stone jars with water? I personally linger a while with how anything Jesus touches is made better. When Jesus turned water into wine, the wedding guests declared with awe that wine was better than the wine first served. The revered theologian Matthew Henry says we should always expect more than we ask (of Jesus). I have certainly found that to be true with answered prayers, those of my own, and those of others.

I once taught a class on The Healings of Jesus. In preparation, I searched diligently through the gospels to identify the different healings and be sure I didn’t count the same healing more than once. It was an interesting study. After hours of research, a pastor friend loaned me a book with the full information. Though the book would have given me answers quickly from the beginning, I am glad I didn’t know about it when I began the study. I enjoyed the research and learned more by digging deep for the answers.

John 14:17 says the Holy Spirit reveals the truth of God. So, I encourage you to begin reading scripture by asking God what He wants you to take from your reading. Look for the details, and think about the different ones involved in a story and how their perspectives might differ. You may see a promise you believe is for you. If so, date it, and make a note. Always thank God for His Word and revelations, and ask Him to store those truths in your heart.

There is never a loss when we linger over scripture — just gain.

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This is an excellent book if you care to add it to your library. There is much more than the healings of Jesus.