Who do you Focus on When You Study the Bible?
Every so often, I notice that I’m in a funk… I absolutely love reading the Bible! But sometimes I get too focused on looking for me as I read. I ask myself questions like these:
- How does this apply to me?
- What is God telling me through this verse/story?
- How am I encouraged or convicted?
- What change should I make based on this truth?
Honestly, I think these are great questions. They are certainly not bad questions to ask. The Bible is a book that can be transformative—if you let it. But in order for it to change you, it’s necessary for you to ask yourself questions like these as you read and study.
However, sometimes I catch myself only asking these questions. I forgot to look for God, first and foremost. He is the main character. While I get the privilege and joy of serving Him and experiencing life transformation because of Him, the spotlight must remain on Him. Not me. When I am the undeserving recipient of His blessings, still, the spotlight must remain on Him. Not me. When I am seeking Him through Scripture, prayer and worship, the spotlight must remain on His greatness. Not my needs and desires.
I was reminded of this from a couple lines in the “notes” section of my Bible Study Fellowship lesson not long ago. Here’s what I read: As we enjoy God’s undeserved compassion, unlimited grace and abundant faithfulness, we need to do more than bask in our spiritual blessings. Ultimately, God uses both good and hard times to point us to Himself. When God focuses our attention on His greatness, He enables us to experience the very purpose for which we were created. … Gratitude for God’s life-giving power in our lives motivates us to know Him and represent Him to the world. God’s glory matters more than the spiritual benefits we enjoy. … Your Christian life is not just about you.
What a powerful and helpful reminder. This immediately took my mind to reflecting on my time in God’s Word. Before I close my Bible, I often stop and ask God, What do you want me to know/learn/do? While I think I will continue asking myself that question, I think I will precede it with a new one that is God-focused instead of me-focused.
Here are five questions you could ask yourself as you read the Bible that will help keep your mind focused on God’s greatness and glory:
- What does this verse/passage teach me about God?
- How do I see God at work here?
- What attribute of God does this story display?
- What truth about God’s character does this verse/story illustrate?
- Why might God have purposefully included this specific passage in His holy Word?
Do not stop looking for ways the Holy Spirit can continue its transformative, sanctifying work in your heart. Intentional study of God’s Word matures His people! But also, start by looking for God in every passage you read. Look for His love, compassion, mercy, grace, kindness and care. Look for His power and glory. Look for His attention to details! Look for His creativity, consistency, faithfulness, wisdom, sovereignty and holiness.
God is the main character! Always, in every way.