A Constant Point Of Contact

I remember when I was younger I had a hard time wrapping my head around the idea of studying the bible forever. It made sense in my head at the time that you’d read it once or twice and have it down, what in the world were you supposed to do with it for a lifetime?!

I came to the realization today that it truly is a constant. And not just a constant that is always there and always the same, but it is a constant need as well.

There have been a lot of overwhelming and anxious feelings in my life as of late, so today I simply googled “what books of the bible to read when you need reassurance/peace.”

Not surprisingly it directed me to Philippians 4:6-7, a passage I’ve read a million times. But I decided to read the entire chapter and the chapter before it to see what I could glean in my desperation to feel God’s peace. In addition to rereading the same comforting lines, I saw some things in a new light. The new realizations I felt weren’t what shocked me though, the familiarity and truth of those passages are what hit me like a truck.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus

(Philippians 4:6-7)

For what may be the first time, it really sunk in how much I need to be in my bible and how it has to be a daily occurrence because despite reading this passage a million times in my life, I had forgotten how to have peace. Verses 6 and 7 literally give us step-by-step instructions:

1. Don’t worry

2. Tell God what you need

3. Thank Him

4. Experience His peace!

So why is this 4 step plan so hard for me to get right? Maybe it’s a lack of practice.

I felt comfort knowing God’s word never changes, and that it is useful and directive in every season of my life. It’s a constant source of reassurance and a direct connection to God.

So today I’m relearning how to experience God’s peace and reminding myself that we truly never “outgrow” the bible.