For many of us the only marker of spiritual success in our lives is how much we know about God. The more we know the better off we are. So we often go through a viscous cycle. We hype ourselves up to read the Bible 15 minutes a day, then we begin to read 10 minutes a day, so we begin to feel guilty for only reading 5 minutes a day, then we get mad at God for being so legalistic and we don’t read the Bible at all for 3 months. Sound familiar?

Don’t get me wrong, we can spend a life time pursuing God and yet never fully comprehend all there is to know about Him and we should know more about who He is as we progress in our faith. But be that as it may, don’t make the mistake of confusing knowing more about God for knowing God better.

I love to read the writings of men and women who love God deeply. One thing that has recently impressed me is that these individuals know God better. (Ironically, they often know more too!). They extrapolate page after page of meaning and depth from a simple verse I learned in Sunday School. As I ponder their ability to see beyond just the words, I am shamed to the fact that so many times I am content to leave my understanding of God and His Word at an elementary level.

So let me challenge you to begin a new spiritual journey. Ask God to give you 2 or 3 verses that you need to know better. Write them on a 3×5 card and then contemplate on them for several weeks. Who knows, you may find more in one verse than you could in a whole month of speed reading your Bible. Here are the ones God has given me:

My yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:30)

Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me. (Psalm 23:4)

Community Question:

What verses are you going to think deeply about?

Over time come back and share some of the things God is showing you through these verses?