Inspirational Reading
Inspirational reading is also called devotional reading. This approach to the Word of God is usually in conjunction with an emotional or personal need, such as grief. David wrote...
"I am exceedingly afflicted;
Revive me, O lord, according to Your word."
—Psalm 119:107
"You are my hiding place and my shield;
I wait for Your word."
—Psalm 119:114
"Plead my cause and redeem me;
Revive me according to Your word."
—Psalm 119:154
David knew that throwing himself into God's Word would revive his spirit and restore his soul.
The classic "quiet time" is often a time of inspirational reading. The purpose? To inspire us, of course; that is, to renew our spirits and restore our hopes.
Inspirational reading can be very important to us during times of crisis. We are not necessarily looking for information, and if truth be known, instruction is not desired. What is needed is a spiritual "lift," a word of comfort from the Father. Usually inspirational reading is not structured or methodic. More commonly, a believer is hurting and goes looking through the Psalms or prophets for a ray of hope.
The long-term benefits of inspirational reading are perhaps not as manifest as the short-term benefits which can be remarkable. In one's darkest hour, a passage of Scripture that would make no sense out of context may be the very source of inspiration that is needed to enable the believer to cope or endure, and as the missionary and author Elisabeth Elliot says, "Do the next thing."