Belmont University - Freshmen First Forty DaysSample

Day 16 – Faith

It is easy to read verses in the Bible and “feel” something. We tend to read verses and like them or dislike them based on how they make us feel. We will share verses on Facebook, Twitter, quote them in our bios on Instagram or even get them tattooed on our bodies because they make us feel something.

I often find myself wanting to memorize, share or even pay attention to a verse because it makes me feel loved, safe, beautiful or anything of that nature. Is that the point of scripture? To help us feel better about ourselves? As a hurting human being living in a hurting world, I would like to say yes. But as a believer of Christ, I say absolutely not. After realizing that I approached scripture based on my emotional needs, I knew I needed to make a change or else my faith would be shallow and limited.

Here’s what I mean. When looking at Proverbs 18:10, initially, I did not connect with this verse as a whole. Of course I loved the idea of the Lord’s name being a strong tower. Reading that, I feel safe, protected and proud to believe in a God who has power in His name alone. The second clause, though, caused me to disconnect from this passage. The word “righteous” comes in and I do not classify myself, a sinner, as righteous. It is then that I toss this passage aside and move on.

Oh, how much I miss out on in acting like the Bible is a buffet line; I take what I like and pass over the rest. But I realized if I read the bible with an attitude of dependency on God’s Word to only make me feel better about myself, I limit its power to truly change me.

Reading scripture differently has become one of the biggest growing pains I have had to endure in my personal faith. But in doing so, I can now take passages like Proverbs 18:10 and see its value despite what feelings it may or may not stir in me: “my righteousness comes from acknowledging God in my time of need, and by grace He will be my safety.”

Maddy Fowler |Senior | Social Work