Yesterday we began a new series on the topic of spiritual discipline by introducing section one (of four sections) outlining the importance of silence and solitude in our walk with the Lord. During those times there are disciplines we can follow that help us focus our awareness of God’s presence in our lives and in the midst of difficult circumstances. The first of these disciplines, which we will take up today, is reading the Bible. We all have difficult circumstances in our lives, and whatever the situation, when we want to hear from God there is no better resource than his Word.

Under normal circumstances, I shy away from topical studies and topical Bible’s in particular. I find that they usually impose meanings that the text itself never intended. It is dangerous to start searching the Bible to find what we want to hear instead of trying to understand what it says for itself. When difficult circumstances invade our world, however, it is difficult to rely solely on our own knowledge of the Bible. Talking to a pastor or biblical counselor is a good idea, and you may want to talk to them before heading out on your time of solitude. Barring that, when it comes to “do not lean on your own understanding”, I can recommend one mostly reliable resource: The Counselor’s New Testament and Psalms. This is a small pocket Bible in the NIV translation and is a source I’ve used for decades. I keep a copy in my car’s glove compartment in case of emergency situations when I need to help others. Even someone who has studied the Bible their whole life needs a helping hand occasionally.

The Bible does not cover every possible hardship we will face, nor does it attempt to provide the answers to all our questions. There is a reason for this; if the Bible contained all the answers to life’s questions we would have no need to seek God’s presence. Every person’s primary purpose for life is to know God, and the Bible will not replace that relationship. One may wonder, then, what use the Bible has to our life if it cannot provide the answers we desperately seek? Because the Word of God tells us what we most need – not the answer’s we want, necessarily, but the answer we need most. What we need most in times of trouble is to know that we are not alone. God is with us, no matter how hard things get, and his presence is precious.

One of the ways we can experience God’s presence is through Sacred Writ, the Holy Bible. It is God speaking what he deems to be most important to his people and it is, we are told by Paul, “useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3.16-17). What that means is the Bible is practical. Even when it doesn’t address our specific dilemma it has principles we can follow. This is why God commanded Moses tell the people to bind His word to their arms and foreheads (a figurative statement indicating it was to be in their hearts and on their minds always).

One practice that helps many believer’s through moments of crises is a list of their favorite Bible verses. One of my favorites from childhood has been Revelation 20.2. I like the imagery of the great dragon, Satan, being cast into prison for one thousand years. It enlarges my vision of life and makes me realize there is more to our future than my own concerns, and reminds me that I’m on the winning team. For you it might be Revelation 21.4: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any more – or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist.” Of course your favorite verses should be compiled before tragedy and hardship strikes. Why not start that list now?