Proverbs 2:1-5

In Proverbs 2:1-5, it says the following,

IF YOU...

1. Accept my words
2. Store up my commands within you
3. Turn your ear to wisdom
4. Apply your heart to understanding
5. Call out for insight
6. Cry aloud for understanding
7. Look for it as silver
8. Search for it as for hidden treasure

THEN YOU ...

1. Will understand the fear of the Lord
2. Find the knowledge of God


It's true!

When I first started reading the bible, I found myself reading it as a book of historical information. I tried to learn the stories of the bible and get to know the characters, similar to reading a novel. I had heard others talk of King David or Abraham, and by reading about them for myself, I was catching up to what I thought they knew.

To my great surprise, the more I read and re-read, the more I discovered the layers of depth to the stories I was reading. It wasn't just a 'story' to remember. There is deep meaning and symbolism in the stories. The Old Testament points to the need and to the promise of the New Testament. It's all intertwined and it's a beautiful love story.

As I read a verse today, I am able to connect it in my mind to others I have already read, and between all the connections, it begins to make sense on a level that is deeply satisfying and fulfilling for me.

As I consistently put forth the effort of making time to read God's Word, He takes the time to build for me a knowledge and understanding of Him, as my Lord and Savior! Through His divine help, I can see my great need for Him, I can appreciate His great love for me (even when I don't deserve it), and I can grasp the extent of how He demonstrated that love for me through the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.

The more you read the bible, the more you will come to love God's Word! You will desire to be in the Word every day. You will know if you have been away from it for any length of time, as it beckons in your soul to return to it. It will take a hold of your mind and heart and it will change you!

Believing in Jesus and confessing your need for Him is salvation gained. However, taking that belief farther and making an effort to really get to know God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit produces life transformation here in this world, and it is a most precious gift!

Don't overlook or bypass the gift of really getting to know the God who loves you so richly and deeply! May your faith journey be one full of knowledge and understanding in the One that saves, and truly be life transforming for you!