Wonderful Surprise
What’s in the box? It’s a picture, but it’s something or nothing. This state of “there being something or nothing” fits the Bible. Many people including Christians think that the Bible is nice to read, but it’s more than that. Because it is the very words of God, it brings about joy, peace, affirmation, and hope. I’ve been personally going through a challenging time in my life, and days seem filled with anxiety, worry, and doubt.
I can’t turn to tv shows or movies or hobbies to get my mind off of the struggle that I’m dealing with. Yes, I’ve talked to family, friends, and colleagues, and of course I’ve prayed. Those things have helped tremendously, but until this past week when one of my devotionals quoted 1 Chronicles 16:11. I finally found some stability and comfort. It says, “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always”.
By looking to see who God is - all powerful, all knowing, and all loving, it started to give me strength and that if I seek Him more, I will be reminded that He is my crutch, my rock, and my fortress, and no matter what I’m going through He is with me every step of the way. And boy, do I ever need Him now.
What the Bible does isn’t giving “nice little stories or hollow hopes”, but it gives us a concrete hope which came to earth 2,000 years ago. Jesus came to experience what we go through and then took the punishment for our sins in order to be with us throughout eternity. He knows exactly what I’m thinking, feeling, and dealing with now, so I won’t feel “alone or afraid”. He’s with me.
My advice to anyone who’s reading this blog is that if you’re going through something challenging or difficult - “open the box”. Open the Bible and read what God can and is doing right now. Let Him lead you to Scripture that will heal and give strength! I’m not saying that once you read the Bible that everything will be fine, but it will give you peace of mind & heart.
You will read about the unconditional love that God has for us through Jesus Christ who endured the cross and shame. Hold unto Him, and He will get you through whatever it is. It’s promised in the Bible over and over again. In the Bible, there’s something and not nothing. Open it and find out.