5 Days Of Understanding The Bible From Always NearSample

Many times— more than I can recall— I’ve gone to my desk in heaviness or distress. I’ve been anxious or angry or senseless with worry. With a prayer for guidance, I’ve opened my Bible, often where I left off the day before. Sometimes I’ve tracked down other verses cross-referenced in the margin. Sometimes I’ve gone to passages I’ve known for years; other times I’ve plunged into sections of Scripture that are less familiar. Always I have found a verse that spoke to my situation, as though the Lord Himself were speaking to me, giving perspective and renewed strength.

Isaiah 30:21 says, “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand, or whenever you turn to the left” (NKJV). This is God’s primary way in helping His people draw near Him. 

In practical terms, that means we need to know how to find Bible verses so we can put our names in them. Studying the Bible isn’t merely an academic exercise; it’s a personal relationship. God speaks to us through the personalization of Scripture.

But we must do this wisely, following the instructions of 2 Timothy 2:15: “Present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” Finding and applying God’s Word requires the careful handling and diligent study of Scripture, but there is no richer pursuit.

The next four days will explore four simple ways to find your own personal verses in the Bible.