Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know—do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand. Jeremiah 33:3 (Amplified Version)This is the beginning of a new year on the calendar. What does that matter in our walk with Christ? It means that we can start again, making a new promise to ourselves to follow closely to His word. He has provided us with so many versions of “Read in a Year” Bibles, we can study to show ourselves approved, rightly dividing the word of truth.
But what can we do if we do not understand what we are reading? There is a lot in the Bible that is difficult to understand, and to gain the knowledge we have to understand it. The Word today in Jeremiah 33 said to call to Him and He will answer us and give us the understanding that we seek. He will open our eyes and ears to the knowledge that will bring us through this year and many more.
We need to remember, though, that calling on the Lord is just one step. We also need to fear the Lord God because that is the beginning of understanding!
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright; He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Proverbs 2:1-8So the more we learn, the more we find out about how great God is to us. He leads us, guides us, and helps us find the treasures in wisdom and understanding.
For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. Psalm 33:4-5What if you have not studied the Word of God up to this point? Get started now and follow the direction that God sets up for you. If God provides you with a scholar, follow him or her to learn what He has for you. If he provided a Bible study on a night that you are free to attend, then you need to attend it and grow in Christ. Sometimes you are sent to attend a class that will provide what God has been trying to show you in your daily Bible reading. Sometimes you are there to keep the lesson on track, or to interject some insight where a younger Christian may need help. We have to remember that it is not an ending story. We continue to learn, grow and gain access to the knowledge Jesus Christ has brought to us.
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 2 Peter 1:5-9He has it all set up. He plans our steps and all we have to do is follow in them. Do the study; read the Word; gain access to God and His knowledge. There is a list in 2 Peter of things to add on to our faith, and it all starts with our knowledge of Him. I could go all day examining the words there, but for the sake of time I will sum it up in this: take the time to make the time to do the time with God.
Make that your daily plan. Make that your daily goal. Make time to gain ground in God’s kingdom so that you may stand before Him someday and hear him say, “Well done…”
Dear Heavenly Father, help us to grow closer to you this year and help us to stay focused on your plans, your Word and your desires for our lives. In Jesus' name, amen.
Suggested Reading: Psalm 33:1-22; Proverbs 2:1-22; 2 Peter 1:1-21; and 2 Peter 3: 1-17.