One way God has provided for us to encounter Him is through studying and applying the Bible. The Bible is God’s Word to us. The Apostle Paul writes to his protégé Timothy: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). In other words, the Bible is the very words of God written so that we can know Him and make Him known.
The purpose of the Bible is not that we will merely know it, but through it, we can encounter God. I have often been asked if I have “experienced” God. In part, I do every time I explore the Scriptures. Not only does my time in God’s Word allow me to encounter Him, but it has provided me with some of the most influential mentors in my life. I get to sit at the feet of people like Moses, Ruth, King David, Paul, and Peter. I grow as I read their testimonies and instructions. I learn from their failures and victories. My interaction with them provides a genuine encounter with God.
The Bible also provides me God’s answers to many of life’s questions. People have asked many questions that God answers in Scripture. What is the purpose of life? Is there life after death? Why is there evil in the world? Besides answering these questions, the Bible gives much practical advice in areas such as: How can I have a successful marriage? How can I parent rightly? How can I be a good friend? What really matters in life? How do I handle the highs and lows of life in a way that glorifies God, bless me and blesses others through me?
It is no secret that we live in a world inundated with thoughts and opinions. Through the Internet, there are massive amounts of information at our fingertips. This can be a great thing, but it can also lead us down a path further and further from the truth. Contrary to what some believe, just because it is on the Internet does not make it true. However, the Bible is totally reliable and true. Please, do not get me wrong. I believe in reading books, posts, and blogs from various authors and hearing the opinions of others. But, I also believe we all need a filter to allow us to discern the difference between truth and falsehood. As we encounter God through His Word, we are provided such a filter.
I want to be very careful that I do not live according to the opinion of others or even my own opinion. I want to know God and His ways through His Word and live accordingly. Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who expressed gratitude that he had made a particular decision in life. He even attributed it to the success he was experiencing in a specific area. The problem was that the decision he had made is clearly named as a sin in the Bible. He appeared to be successful in the area he was addressing. But, it was fallacious to believe his success was due to sin. Unfortunately, this is all too prevalent in the church. I am reminded: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12). The simple truth is that the path of one’s life has consequences consistent with how it is walked. I prayerfully strive to walk as one who has truly encountered God through His Word. I am not perfect in this pursuit, but God is perfecting me.
It is a privilege to be invited by God to encounter Him every day through His word. The psalmist writes: “You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him” (Psalm 119:1-2). Those who delight in God’s Word are invited to know Him and walk righty with Him and make Him known.
I am honored to be given the opportunity to encounter God with each of you. Let us encourage one another to invest in studying and applying God’s Word. Together let’s know God and make Him known. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!