I had a friend recently ask how I knew God’s direction for my life. My answer is pretty simple…
I spend time with him.
The more time I spend – the more clear the direction and the more peace I have each season life brings. As Christ followers we know that God left everything we need to know about him, his will and his promises for us in a special love letter called the Bible. This is where he promises to meet us and speak to us. Sometimes this letter looks so big and sometimes the language so confusing (depending on the translation) that the thought of digging in can feel daunting. I want to share a simple tip to help you get started in experiencing the ways scripture can come to life … more importantly speak specifically to your life and your circumstances. I shared this method with a group of friends several weeks ago and it has been a joy to observe the aha moments happening in each of their hearts, souls and minds.
You will need a phone, ipad or computer. Notebook and good pen:) You’ll be doing a bit of writing so make sure you have a good pen.
- Download the Biblegateway app on your computer or phone.
- Each day this app will display a verse of the day.
- Write the verse in your journal.
- Look up the verses in 3 – 5 different versions and write them down in your journal.
- Look back over the verses and underline words that bring clarity or cause you to ask futher questions.
Journal any thought that is prompted during this process. I have found the actual WRITING of the verses slows me down so I can HEAR what God is speaking to me. It forces me to pay attention to the words in a way I don’t when I am just reading the words. It lengthens the time I spend in His presence which increases the chances I will stick around long enough to hear his voice – for me. Each Saturday during lent I will post one verse from 5 different versions. I encourage you to get out a notebook and write them down.
Psalm 23:1-3
NIV New International Version: The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads my beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his names sake.
AMP – Amplified Version: The Lord is my Shepherd ( to feed, to guide and to shield me), I shall not want. He lets me lie down in green pastures: He leads me beside still and quiet waters. He refreshes and restores my soul ( life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
TLB – The Living Bible : Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.
MSG- The Message: God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
TPT- The Passion Translation: The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough. He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace, the quiet brook of bliss. That’s where he restores and revives my life. He opens before me pathways to God’s pleasure and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness so that I can bring honor to his name.
GO ahead… carve out some time. Write the words. Pray for the Holy Spirit to open you heart to what God wants to communicate with you.
And if you have an extra minute… I’d love to hear what he had to say.
loving you where you are and pointing your forward to where He is,
justbeth:)
justbeth:) 