The Bible has changed my life. That might sound dramatic, but it’s true. As a military wife with young children and living overseas, I found myself feeling lonely after the birth of my third son. I was floundering spiritually and didn’t have close Christian friends. After some serious prayer, the Lord led me to an inductive bible study and as I began to really “study” not just read the bible, not only did my joy return, but my life had a new purpose and meaning. I felt the Holy Spirit guiding me in a new way and my relationship with the Lord grew closer.
The last conclusion I would want any reader to come to is that I’m a super-spiritual Christian or that I didn’t have any major sin struggles after this “reformation” in my life. That fact is that I faced some of my hardest battles in the next couple of years. Seeking God isn’t something that anyone does naturally. I’ve felt for a long time that David knew something about my own heart when he wrote in Psalm 53:2-3, “God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.”
The Bible is a constant in the changing seasons of life and studying it has given me insight into God’s character. If you think about how you get to know someone who then becomes a good friend, it is by spending time with them, sharing, getting to know their habits, strengths, and weaknesses. You study them. The Bible gives us the opportunity to study God and spend time with Him. He speaks to us through His Word.
Verses I have memorized come to mind when I need peace and comfort. One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:6-7 which says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The good news is that God’s Word still has the power to change lives! It still comforts and guides, teaches, restores, and brings peace. I know that if you’re reading this, you have your own story to tell about the Bible’s impact on your life. Maybe God will bring someone across your path this week you can share your story with.
Deb Hill
Executive Assistant