How I Learned to Trust the Bible
Have you ever opened the Bible only to find yourself staring at a sea of words, intimidated to even begin, and just feeling like you’ll never understand what in the world you’re reading? Me too! My journey of falling in love with His word included all of these feelings!
Early in my walk with Christ as a teenager, I remember thinking to myself, “I know I need to read this book, but how in the world is this going to make any sense?”
In my twenties, I was surrounded by amazing mentors. I was growing spiritually and serving in ministry, but I still felt like there was no way I could study Scripture on my own. I loved - or maybe preferred - other people teaching me instead of having to dig into the word myself. I didn’t study on my own because deep down, I disqualified myself. Who was I to study the word and allow it to speak directly to me? I didn't have a seminary degree, I wasn’t a pastor, and I certainly wasn’t sister Beth Moore!
Finally, in my thirties and in the midst of major life changes within my family, our church was also experiencing significant changes. The church drastically shifted because of differences in theological beliefs among our leaders. Because of the pressure and weight this transition brought, I felt like I was being reintroduced to the Bible.
Questions like, “Do you know what you believe?” and “What does the Bible say about____?” began to become a consistent part of my life. I realized that much of my interpretation of Scripture had always come from what others told me to believe. I became aware that I didn't know how to study the Bible on my own.
Through this season, I learned that my first source of connection to God should be His word and prayer - not podcasts, church sermons, or books. I realized that the intimidation to study the Bible on my own was an insecurity keeping me from the deepest and richest personal relationship with God.
The conviction I felt to study the word for myself, see the Bible as a story about God (not me!), and understand my identity in light of these things birthed my ministry called The Kindred Collective. We create tools for women to study Scripture for themselves with the power and help of the Holy Spirit.
Now that you know a little of my story, I want to walk through practical steps to overcome that mountain of intimidation so many of us feel!
It’s okay to ask for help!
The poetry and prophecy in Isaiah, the Levitical laws, and even the context of Romans can sometimes feel overwhelming to read on our own. However, it can be so helpful to ask others how they study Scripture! There are many methods in doing this well, so ask around and explore which one works best for you. A few that I recommend are:
Depending on your current season of life, your study method may change over time. That’s okay! No matter what you’re currently walking through, please don't disqualify yourself or let that become an excuse for not trying to be in the word.
Regardless of your time constraints, study method, or depth of knowledge, getting into the word of God is always worth it!
It never returns void. (Isaiah 55:8-11)
It is not for nothing, because it is life-giving. (Psalm 119:25)
It is correcting. (2 Timothy 3:16)
It is living and active. (Hebrews 4:12)
It is full of wisdom. (Psalm 119:105)
The Holy Spirit is our Guide.
Mentors, study tools, and all the tips in the world are still just a conduit to the access we have to our Father through His word. The true key to understanding Scripture is the Holy Spirit. If Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, you have the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of you! The Holy Spirit gives us access to wisdom, understanding, and all kinds of gifts.
Scripture tells us in 1 Corinthians 2:13 that the Bible is a collection of inspired writings by the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit teaches us spiritual truths. Next time you open your Bible, start with the simple prayer “Holy Spirit, please open my heart, mind, eyes, and ears to what you want to teach me.”
Doubts do not disqualify you!
Do you find your mind swirling with doubts when you read the Bible? Maybe you haven’t given your life to the Lord yet and you’re held up because of those doubts.
First, I want to say it's okay to doubt! You can come to the Lord with your questions. And if you start reading the Bible and something rubs you the wrong way, pause and pray - “God, if you’re real, speak to me through this book.” I would also encourage you to read the Bible with someone or to bring your questions to a trusted person who is walking with the Lord. I promise you will see God’s love for you through the pages of this book. Keep going!
If you are reading this and you are a believer in Jesus Christ, I want to encourage you to persevere! You may find that you have been taught something about God that might not line up with what you’re reading on the page. Don’t give up! Ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and discernment as you interpret Scripture. Maybe those doubts just mean that you need trusted mentors and friends to whom you can bring your confusion and questions. Again, keep going!
And lastly, if you are reading this blog and are a spiritual leader, stay humble and hungry. Push yourself to continue to be a student of the word. You can't lead where you haven’t been. Remember, apart from the Lord we can do nothing (John 15). Great leaders are great learners. You are never going to “arrive” and that's okay! Continue to learn, find accountability, and seek wisdom from those who have gone before you. What you learn in private isn’t always for the public, but it will always transform your heart and renew your mind.