When my daughter was two years old, she curiously watched a caterpillar crawling on a leaf in our friend’s yard. That same afternoon when we got home, she took a sheet of paper and drew a crude, but very recognizable representation of a caterpillar and brought it to me. I was impressed and said from that moment that she would become an artist one day. It has taken her years of drawing, coloring and practice, but today she works in a successful career as a graphic designer.
So many times I have said to my family, “Do you want to know how to get good at something (drawing, singing, playing piano, speaking, writing, praying, etc. You fill in the blank…)? The answer is always, “then do that thing!” The more you practice a skill the better you get at it. This same principle applies to knowing and understanding God’s Word. The more you read and study your Bible, the more honed your spiritual senses will be to discern God’s Will for you and the enemy’s tactics against you.
“But solid food (the deeper understanding of God’s Word) belongs to those who are mature, that is, those who by reason of practice have their senses exercised (honed) to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:14)
The Word of God is a powerful resource for us. It is a weapon we can use against the devil. It teaches us and convicts us in our own daily walk. It helps us be better witnesses by bringing to our remembrance the things Jesus taught us. It gives us deep insight into the character of God and His will for our lives. It nourishes our soul like a big piece of steak does for our stomachs.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
As you read and study the Word of God, the Holy Spirit will help you pull up verses that can help you in every situation you may face in your life–verses of encouragement, verses of admonition, verses of comfort, and more. Dig into the word today! It is always a meaty morsel to feed your spirit. You can do it!