What's Next?: The Journey To Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, And Make A DifferenceSample

The Bible: Letting God’s Word Speak to You

There’s no better way to take next steps in your walk with God than letting His Word guide you. The Bible is the foundation of our faith, full of relevant wisdom, direction, and truth that helps us stand on solid ground no matter what life brings. Many people tell me they don’t read the Bible because it’s overwhelming. They often don’t know where to start, and even when they do read it, they don’t always understand what they’re reading. But as Christians, we cannot let our limited understanding of the Bible discourage us from continuing to press in to learn more about our God.

In the Message Paraphrase of Matthew 7:24, Jesus said, “These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock.” If we truly want to live for God—to know Him, to find freedom, to discover our purpose, and to make a difference for His glory—then reading His Word is not an option. We must hear what God has to say and apply it to our lives daily.

If you’ve been intimidated by the Bible or found it difficult to understand, ask God to speak to you as you read it today. Read your selected passage slowly, go over it a few times, and listen to what God might be saying to you through the Scriptures. As you take time to study and meditate on God’s Word, He will reveal Himself to you. Your understanding of the Word will increase, and He will show you how to apply it to your life.

Reading the Bible is not an obligation but a privileged way to access the heart of God. If you remember that reading the Bible is about knowing God and having a relationship with Him, rather than just knowing a lot of theology or “getting your Bible time in,” it will be a source of great joy in your life. Listen to His words and allow Him to nourish your spirit, heal your wounds, comfort you, instruct you, and empower you.