WHY WE DO IT

I have been a part of MANY Bible Studies over the years.  ALL TYPES--STYLES--METHODS~ from the mega two or three day study, to the small group answer the questions and discuss, to the sitting in my chair alone and diving in.  My preferred style of learning has proven to be writing or typing the answers to thought provoking questions.  I do LOVE a good discussion, but my best path to committing the truths to memory is the writing it down.  That tends to seal the door in my head. 

 

 

After all these studies over all these years, you would think I would have learned it all.  NOT SO---in fact the Bible is a pure reflection of God.  It is so deep, so complex, so multi-faceted that there is always something to learn.  Our finite human minds are incapable of every understanding our Infinite God---nor will we ever grasp every truth.  SO , we become students of The Word.  I never cease to be amazed when reading a Scripture the light bulb goes off and I see it an entirely different way.  Have you not experienced this very thing?  All these years, I thought it meant X, but it could also mean Y.  So we continue to study, looking for new truths which the Holy Spirit will reveal with perfect timing.  

Another thing occurred to me while pondering this subject.  When we take the time to study The Word and commit those truths to memory, we are prepared for those times of great anguish or personal struggle.  When the truth has been sealed in our heads and hearts, we can then rely upon our "Automatic Pilot" to keep us centered on the path.  Unless we know "The Map", it is too easy to end up down a dead end path or going in circles. The Girl and Boy Scout motto is "Be Prepared" and this prepares us for any occurrence.

Training for an athlete, doctor or other medical professional, a first line responder,  or to be a part of the armed forces, which protect our country, involves repetitive rehearsal for the actual event.  The purpose is to ingrain the actions necessary when the real event occurs.  The real event will be stressful---chaotic---time sensitive, but all that rehearsal will guide those who have trained.  They will go on automatic pilot and perform without thought.  They have learned the lessons well and can rely on muscle and cognitive memory to perform and perform well without struggle.

SO--why do we continue to study The Word over and over.  We are searching for additional truths, we are training our bodies and minds in how to respond in moments of deep crisis, and most importantly we are seeking a deeper knowledge of who God is so that we may draw closer to Him.  It is NEVER wasted motion.

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,

a worker who has no need to be ashamed,

rightly handling the Word of truth."

II Timothy 2:15