I hated exams.
Throughout my schooling, I never got used to the stress that came with preparing for and sitting exams. Couple that with the anxious wait for results, it was hell on earth.
So nothing would beat the joy of hearing the teacher say the test would be open-book.
Knowing I could refer to the notes meant I didn’t have to master or cram much which significantly reduced the pressure and almost guaranteed good results.
Believers have a similar open-book privilege in the face of the tests of life.
God allows us to refer to our Bibles all the time as we go through life and its troubles and suffering.
Therefore, it’s incumbent upon us to make good use of this resource.
Don’t grope your way through life and its issues like a rudderless ship. Let the Word of God inform your decisions and illuminate your way (Psalm 119:105).
Saint, how is your Bible study life?
It better be active and thriving.
When trouble comes, you will have something to fall back to.
Allow the Word of God to inform your theology of pain and suffering. Let it anchor you firmly in God so the storms of life don’t shake you (Luke 6:46-49).
Let the Word give you a glimpse of the workings of the devil so you are alert and ready (1 Peter 5:8-9).
This open book privilege favors students who have somewhat read. They will know where what is found in the notes.
When you are actively in the Word, you will know the passages to go to for encouragement in times of trouble, the promises of God that will refocus you.
For instance, Isaiah 41:10, 13; 43:2; 54:16-17.
Woe unto the person upon whom trouble comes when they have no Word of God in the reservoir of their heart.
They will be tossed around. Panic will set in and chances are high they will be discouraged or even succumb under the weight of suffering.
Let that not be you.
In His farewell speech, Jesus prepared His disciples and subsequent readers of the Bible mentally that they would have troubles in life (John 14:26-27). When troubles come, we should not be afraid. But the secret to not being afraid is found in the previous verse, vs 26. The Spirit will remind us Jesus’ teaching for faith comes by hearing God’s Word (Romans 10:17).
What will the Spirit remind you in your day of trouble if you hadn’t studied the Word beforehand?
Don’t let life’s troubles catch you flat-footed.
Read your Bible. Meditate on it day and night (Joshua 1:8).
That’s the sure path to victory over life’s tests.
True. Very true.
The Psalmist said in Psalm 119:11 “Your Word i have hidden in my heart, that i might not sin against You”.
You have quoted Psalm 119:105. Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light on my path.
Also Romans 10:17. Faith comes through hearing, and by hearing the Word of God. Among many more bible verses.
Bottom line is just as Job said; Job 23:12…………i have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. Just as we need our necessary food, we need His word, if not more.
God bless you Ken.
Isn’t the Word just so beautiful!? Wow! Thank you for the additions.