Renewing a Love of Scripture

Has scripture has been used against you? Do you find it hard to read your bible anymore? I want you to know, God understands and He isn't angry with you. On the contrary, He loves you and hates what has been happening to you. 

Twisted Scriptures?

It took about a year before I wanted to read God's Word again. Every time I tried, I heard the old accusations using twisted scriptures replaying in my mind. So I asked the Lord what I should do about it. And the solution was surprisingly simple.  First, I acknowledged God already knew how I felt and He wanted me to be honest with myself and with Him. So I told God the truth. I refused to allow myself to feel guilty for being so brutally honest about it... and then I waited. I continued to pray and work through my pain, growing and discovering God’s truth from other sources (including my counselor and Godly books about overcoming abuse)  but I didn’t read my Bible.

God's Timeless Truth

When I finally felt ready, I bought a new version, one I’d never studied before and started reading. And let me tell you, it's been so R-E-F-R-E-S-H-I-N-G.

God’s timeless truths are communicated to my heart in a fresh, new way. 

Verses I memorized long ago have new life. Stories I've read so many times before are now teaming with new insights because the words are different. I bought a Bible with lots of space to take notes and it even has illustrations to color! Talk about different…   Now, I spend time in God’s presence with a set of colored pencils beside me. I underline verses that speak to me. I scribble notes is the margins. I draw and color the illustrations.

And as I do, I ponder the meaning and application of God’s Word based on what I am learning about His character as a loving Provider who doesn’t expect me to be perfect.  Did you know the Lord loves us - flaws and all? And He promises to meet us right where we are? And He will walk this journey with us? Talk about amazing!  *If you are interested in which Bible I chose, its called Inspire and its the New Living Translation published by Tyndale House. You can learn more about it here.