has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he
did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of
grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy
and find grace to help us in our time of need.I know sometimes it can be hard to read the Bible and
understand what God is saying. In those times I simply ask
God for help. In Proverbs 2:1–6 we see a mother instructing her
son to make his heart ready for understanding. Before you
open your Bible, pray to God and ask Him to help you
understand what you are about to read. Ask Him to open your
eyes so that you can see the truth of His Word. Proverbs 2:1–2
says, “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 ... ”
The past few years I have begun praying for understanding
and wisdom before I open my Bible to study. I ask God to help
me understand what I am about to read. I ask Him to speak
directly to me through His Word and help me to have a soft
heart to hear and receive what He has for me that day.
Interacting with Jesus in that way through prayer, reading the
Bible, and inviting Him to speak to you directly from the verses
you are reading are vital as you begin deepening your
relationship with Jesus and getting to know Him better.
3. Spend Time Learning to Listen and Be Still
Be still. That is so hard to do these days with so many
distractions around us filling our days. Whether it is our cell
phones going off because of text messages, voice mails, alerts,
and notifications, or because of our demanding schedules with