Letting God's Word Do Its Work
Hebrew 4:12-14 Not only do we search God's word, but it searches us. We not only seek to understand God's word, but we also seek to stand under its authority. As we read the Bible, we may be tempted to draw back from its soul-searching power. We may argue with its teaching, resent its discipline, or question its assertions. But these reactions simply alert us to the fact that God is searching our hearts. At times like these spiritual renewal comes as we stop and examine not only God's Word but also our response to it.
Why are we feeling upset and challenged? Why is the Bible affecting us in a particular way? What specific attitudes or behaviors is it addressing? How does the teaching of God's Word differ from our way of living? Questions such as these can move us beyond impulsive reactions to spiritually productive reflection. The psalmist wrote, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offend you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life" (Psalm 139:23-24).
When we surrender our resistance, we find the grace of Jesus Christ sustaining us. The writer of Hebrews recognized that the very Word that exposes our sin also reveals the remedy for that sin - Jesus, our great High Priest. Through him we find mercy that removes our sin and power that works through our weaknesses.
Putting it into Practice
God's Word is a mirror in which we often see things that are hidden during the ordinary course of life. It causes us to reflect on our motives, our inner thoughts, and the unspoken assumptions and expectations that drive us. In what way is God's Word making you uncomfortable, exposing an area that needs attention? Ask God to show you specific ways that you can change. You may want to make the prayer of Psalm 139:23-24 your prayer as you regularly read your Bible.
For more on Bible study and meditation, read Deuteronomy 17.
God's Word as Our Counselor
Colosians 3:16 There is a vast difference between wisdom and knowledge. Knowledge describes the accumulation of facts and information. Wisdom describes why things work the way they do and evaluates what things are most important. Knowledge is quantitative; wisdom is qualitative. We can have knowledge about a number of things that have little bearing on life. Wisdom is concerned about all with the key issues of life.
The Bible, the Word of God, can make us wise. While it contains much information about creation, its primary emphasis is on understanding and knowing our Creator. While it gives us some insight into life in the ancient world, its main purpose is to prepare us for life today. "All these events happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us, who live at the time when this age is drawing to a close. If you think you are standing strong be careful, for you too, may fall into the same sin" (1 Corinthians 10:11-12).
Paul exhorts us to do more than master the facts of the Bible. God's Word is to make itself at home in our hearts. It is to become a part of all we think, all we say, and all we do. When God's Word is woven into the very into the very fabric of our lives, we will never unravel.
Putting it into Practice
God's Word is a mirror in which we often see things that are hidden during the ordinary course of life. It causes us to reflect on our motives, our inner thoughts, and the unspoken assumptions and expectations that drive us. In what way is God's Word making you uncomfortable, exposing an area that needs attention? Ask God to show you specific ways that you can change. You may want to make the prayer of Psalm 139:23-24 your prayer as you regularly read your Bible.
For more on Bible study and meditation, read Deuteronomy 17 & 2 Timothy 3.