On a recent shopping excursion, when I found myself going from store to store to attempt to find a specific food item, I was reminded of how similar it was to studying the Bible.
I could have just gotten something “similar” to what I was looking for, but I had specific needs for that food item. Similarly, sometimes we find a verse that is “similar” to what we were looking for and don’t continue to dig deeper to see the specific verse that meets our needs.
When we do that, we do ourselves and God a disservice. In a similar way that the food item would possibly, and even probably, provide an edible result, it would not be as good as the exact item would deliver.
When we stop our study when we come across a “this is good enough” verse, we don’t leave room to allow God to continue to show us the full majesty of His word and promises. Pushing beyond, searching deeper and continuing until we have the fullness of what God is showing us, we can unlock deeper layers of understanding.
In these days of technology at everyone’s fingertips, we can find many ways to add depth to our studies. One way is to read different versions of the Bible. Some versions translate in a word-for-word manner, others by concepts. Comparing two or more of these versions assists us in coming to a deeper understanding of His Word. Many versions are available through apps on a cellphone or through websites such as biblegateway.com. Using these tools helps those who don’t have an understanding of the original languages by using the tools provided by those who do understand the language.
We can use many other tools such as concordances to study word meanings and commentaries to study what others have said about particular passages. However, we need to study for ourselves as well, praying for enlightenment as we read passages. The Bible is the Living Word of God and it will speak to us if we listen.
Some people might be able to take a random collection of ingredients and make a meal that would sustain them. Others, using similar but specific ingredients, might be able to make a meal that is not only enjoyable but memorable. The difference is not settling for mediocrity but pursuing the excellence that God has placed within you and wishes to call out.
Reading random verses may give a boost in the moment, but a targeted and dedicated study of a passage or topic could lead to a deeper understanding of who God is and what He wants in our lives.
“Refuse to be average. Let your heart soar as high as it will.” A. W. Tozer
When we persist in a disciplined study of His Word, despite the circumstances that we are going through, we are looking beyond our trials and toward His glory. The refining fire that we endure with our trials is the prelude to God rewarding us when we come out the other side.
5 ”Through our faith, the mighty power of God constantly guards us until our full salvation is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 May the thought of this cause you to jump for joy, even though lately you’ve had to put up with the grief of many trials. 7 But these only reveal the sterling core of your faith, which is far more valuable than gold that perishes, for even gold is refined by fire. Your authentic faith will result in even more praise, glory, and honor when Jesus the Anointed One is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:5–7 (The Passion Translation)
May your faith be strong enough to motivate you to continue to search, to pursue, to push through until the “sterling core” of your faith and His glory is revealed!
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