Thinking #7— Insightful Consideration

Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you insight into it all. 2 Timothy 2:7

God’s hope for Bible readers: If we exert ourselves to think carefully about what he has said in Scripture, he will bless us with insight into how to apply his wisdom to our lives; we will be able to view reality the same way God’s spokesman saw it. Since God delights in order rather than disorder, he speaks to us in ways that we can understand through people who are just like us. He does not want us to remain in the dark. He wants us to walk in the light as he is in the light—to see and respond to the panorama of our existence. Therefore, we can presuppose that his communication will be understandable. Yet we cannot presume we will be able to achieve understanding without effort. God doesn’t short circuit the means he has established to achieve the ends he desires. If we learn the ins and outs of grammar and syntax, God will honor our efforts. If we wrestle with the nuances of our vocabulary, God will reward our endeavors. If we discipline ourselves to spend time pondering what he says, our investment will pay great dividends. If we come humbly to the text—willing to see things from God’s perspective—to have our ideas changed, and to be transformed by the truth we encounter, he promises we will go away with new minds, satisfied hearts, and growing discernment.

Eternal Word, speak to my heart as I engage your written word. Keep me from twisting it to suit my view of reality. And grant me an appreciation for your wonderful truth. Amen.