And All the People Shouted Amen!
Nehemiah 8:5-6 Just like the people of Judah; we need the right mind frame before reading the word of God.
7/18/20261 min read
And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Nehemiah 8:5–7 (NKJV)
After the people of Judah were registered by genealogy, they gathered in front of the Water Gate and Ezra presented the Book of the Law of Moses to be read to all that could understand it. When the book was opened in the sight of all the people they shouted "Amen!", while lifting their hands and bowing their heads, worshiping the Lord. They set their mind frame to receive God's words from the book that Ezra was about to read.
Like the Israelites, we need to have the correct mind frame before digging into the bible and hearing what God wants to tell us. If we are reading the bible because someone told us we have to, or we are distracted, angry, or upset, we are not in the right mind frame, and need to stop, check ourselves, and pray for a heart to receive God's word. James 1:21 says, “Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” When opening the bible, we need to put away all of the day's issues, receive it in humility and joy, and we will hear God speak to us as we read His word.
Choose to set yourself with the right mind frame before reading Gods word. Get up early and read the bible before you start your day, when your mind is fresh and not filled with the troubles of the day. Start with prayer, asking God to instill a desire in you to engage in what He wants you to hear. Open the bible with joy in your heart, giving God glory, and praising Him for what you are about to hear. Have a notepad handy to write down a verse that inspires or motivates you, so that you can meditate on it throughout the day. When you prepare yourself to receive God's word, the Lord is able to speak to you, giving you inspiration, direction and blessings.