"Your words were found, and I ate them.
Your words became a delight to me
and the joy of my heart,
for I bear your name,
Lord God of Armies."
~Jeremiah 15:16
I have often had people ask me for Bible study tips or comment on how they don’t know how I can possibly know as much about the Bible as I do at my age. This is usually followed up by what seems like a hint of despair, as if they are somehow behind and need to catch up but don’t know how.
Friend, if that is you this morning, and you have ever felt that way before, please don’t despair. Don’t be discouraged if you feel like a novice in your Bible study journey or your ability to faithfully and accurately interpret Scripture.
Instead, I want you to do this:
Enjoy the journey.
Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.
Remember that it takes time. It has taken me YEARS to know about the Word what I know now, and let me tell you - there were a lot of things I got wrong over the years! And because I’m not God and not infallible, there are things I’m wrong on even now that I don’t yet realize.
This journey of growing in your Bible literacy is something to enjoy and be excited about, not something to stress you out and be discouraged by.
It’s not about checking a box or becoming a Bible scholar just for the sake of becoming a Bible scholar. It’s about a relationship with the living God. A growing, abiding, intimate, fulfilling, sanctifying, close, sharpening relationship. That should be why you study the Word, and if that is your reason, you will find yourself enjoying it more and comparing yourself to others much less.
Enjoy the journey, sweet friend!
Friend, if that is you this morning, and you have ever felt that way before, please don’t despair. Don’t be discouraged if you feel like a novice in your Bible study journey or your ability to faithfully and accurately interpret Scripture.
Instead, I want you to do this:
Enjoy the journey.
That's it.
Remember that it takes time. It has taken me YEARS to know about the Word what I know now, and let me tell you - there were a lot of things I got wrong over the years! And because I’m not God and not infallible, there are things I’m wrong on even now that I don’t yet realize.
This journey of growing in your Bible literacy is something to enjoy and be excited about, not something to stress you out and be discouraged by.
It’s not about checking a box or becoming a Bible scholar just for the sake of becoming a Bible scholar. It’s about a relationship with the living God. A growing, abiding, intimate, fulfilling, sanctifying, close, sharpening relationship. That should be why you study the Word, and if that is your reason, you will find yourself enjoying it more and comparing yourself to others much less.
Enjoy the journey, sweet friend!
Reflection Questions:
1) Would you say you are currently enjoying your time spent in Bible study? Why or why not?
2) What changes might need to be made in your thinking and in your practice as it regards your study of the Word?
3) What do you sense the Spirit saying to you right now? What is He leading you to do?
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