There are many aspects to nurturing your relationship with God, but one of the most crucial is Bible study. Christians believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and so reveals God’s character and nature. The goal of true Christians is to know God more fully so that we can love, follow and worship more completely. It is only through systematic study, combined with prayer, that we can achieve this goal. Imagine trying to build a relationship with someone about whom you know nothing. It is next to impossible, since you have nothing on which to base your relationship. In order to forge the necessary connections, you must communicate and listen. It also helps if the two of you have shared goals and a history of commitment and caring. Bible study can help you build your relationship with God through communication, shared goals and learning about your religious heritage.
Prayer is often held up as the perfect way to communicate with the Lord, and it is a wonderful tool for pouring your heart out to God. God is always listening, and prayer can help us to focus on Him more fully. However, too many times, prayer is entirely too one-sided. We talk and talk and talk, but seldom take time to listen. Fortunately, God graciously chooses to communicate with us in other ways, as well. God’s messages for our lives are embedded in Scripture. We can hear His messages each time we choose to study our Bible.
It is utterly amazing how God makes the words of the Bible speak to each reader individually. Many will tell you that the Bible is a living text, and that it speaks differently to each reader. I believe this is true. My own unscholarly opinion is that our present state of mind and experiences cause us to focus on different aspects of the text and so hear different messages at different times. I know that my own understanding and interpretation of various passages has changed over time, much the same as my understanding of aspects of physical world has matured as I grew and expanded my knowledge.
Studying Scripture is invaluable for learning about our heritage, as well. Generations of people before us have devoted their lives to God, and the Bible tells their stories. Moreover, personages from the Bible have faced every trial, temptation, and problem known to mankind. We can look to God’s word for advice on handling every kind of problem imaginable. The Psalms, in particular, are full of poetry expressing every emotion known to our race. Study of Scripture lets us see examples of sound and not-so-sound responses to situations in everyday life.
Finally, God reveals His plan for our lives, both individually and collectively, between the covers of the Bible. Reading the Bible can also help us to discern God’s plan for our lives. Especially for those who have not yet learned to listen expectantly for God’s voice in their hearts, Bible study offers another avenue to hear Him speaking to us personally. Reading the Bible on a daily basis and studying its words will allow the Lord one more tool to make His messages clear to you.
Our relationship with God demands that we keep all avenues of communication open. Make a commitment to read and study God’s Word regularly, and I guarantee that you will feel closer to the Lord.
******************************
Sandy Fleming is an educational consultant who leads Bible Study classes in person and online.
Visit the free online Bible Study for daily readings and questions to ponder.
tweet this!