Oh, what a tangled web we weave . . . when we jump to conclusions!
That might be what I’m screaming inside when you find me pounding myself in the head with my notebook-Bible or throwing colored pencils out the window {don’t be alarmed – sometimes I feel this way, that’s all}.
Why does my brain have to be in such a hurry?
I’ve literally only ever skimmed some Bible passages, or read them thoroughly and brainlessly at best. Yet I come to them with the flaunting of supposed vast levels of knowledge. I read a few verses, and my brain freakishly runs to chosen definitions, particular categories, and any number of possible scenarios where applications 1, 2, & 3 seem warranted. And I’m only 5 minutes in! I have no idea what’s going on, who’s speaking, or which acceptable options are even possible, and yet I act as if I’m ready to present a Sunday School lesson, complete with PowerPoint presentation!
How many times {oh, the reality} do I discover I’m on the wrong path and realize I might never have ended up there if I didn’t approach the Bible with a boatload of assumptions and run so headlong toward interpretations and applications . . . when actually, I don’t really know what the text means yet, to be quite honest, and really, it may take me three to four to ten weeks and multiple meditation sessions to feel like I have a potential grasp on the passage and can start narrowing the mental chaos into complete sentences and reasonable, so-called “conclusions” {for even then, my finite mind may be still have a ways to go to get to truth}.
So pretty much I just need to calm down. Just calm down!
Take time. Read slowly, and don’t look for application first. How can you possibly apply something if you don’t know what that something is?
Approach every word with questions. Pretend you’re the first to read it and you’ve never heard anything about it. Shut out all other voices.
Start simple. State the obvious. Marinate in the straightforward. And dig into the not-so-sure with careful, discerning eyes.
Reluctantly come to “conclusions,” and never give up the title, “teachable.”
The next thing you know, things will make sense, and you’ll find yourself applying the Word without even trying. {Or maybe things won’t make sense, and you’ll stay calm, and you’ll keep searching, and in the meantime the Word will apply itself without your knowledge.}
That’s what happens when the Word enters your brain – and said brain expels non-Word nonsense and simmers on pure, untangled Truth.
[image credit: unsplash.com]
Journey of the Word 
Oh goodness this is just how I feel sometimes too! I want so badly to apply God’s Word (or really, what I want the application of God’s Word to be) that I just skip and skim through His precious passages and jump to my own foolish conclusions. How blessed are we that He is merciful and gracious to keep “putting up with me” so to speak…He is still faithful to meet with me each morning even though I may have run roughshod over His Words the day before.
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Yes! You said it beautifully!
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Simmering on pure, untangled Truth ~ goodness, yes! Your bravery to be “real” is God-honoring, Lydia. There are many of us “throwing colored pencils” right out that window. But His Word? It’ll color a whole new picture. Visiting via #thoughtprovokingThursday.
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I can also think about a passage a certain way and then someone else uses the same passage, and I see their point too. It’s like unearthing another treasure!
Good thought-provoking post!
#Heart Encouragement
Julie
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My mind runs to “this would be a great verse to use in counseling” or some other situation. I have to discipline myself to read for me first because I know I need the Word every day in my own life. Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks for linking up on Mondays @ Soul Survival!
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When we hear a sermon, or even read an article or a book, it is good to have our Bible handy. Some teaching are the assumptions of the one doing the lecture. Reading the Bible for yourself will keep us on the right path. Yes, as you suggest, read it slowly as if you are reading it for the first time.
Some Bibles have other scriptures noted for you to turn to, but almost always they never have helped me. A good Bible commentary that you can trust is helpful when you are doing a deep study. Thank you so much for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
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Yes, this! And the Holy Spirit is also a great illuminator!
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This is such a great way of taking on Bible reading. I tend to agree with you that it will happen naturally.
Thank you for sharing this with us on the #FridayFriolity party. We hope to see you next Thursday at 9pm EST.
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