“Is the Bible relevant today?” Stories from hundreds of years ago, weird names, suuuuper long chapters. It doesn’t always feel relevant. But to read Scripture is another way for God to provide comfort, clarity, and wisdom. These Scripture meditations can help you figure out how to get started reading the Bible.
Grace Isn’t Earned, It’s Offered
You’re still trying to work for the grace God gave you freely.
We see you, because we’re just like you. We know on one level that God’s grace isn’t earned, it’s offered as a free gift. But then again, we feel a strong compulsion to “do” something in response to this gift—to act, perform, or “be” the right way.
The line between “doing” out of gratitude, and “doing” to try to prove ourselves worthy of God’s gift can be a thin, dangerous line.
Check which side you’re on, and join us in this Scripture meditation!
Isaiah 40:1-2
1 Comfort, comfort my people,
says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.
What This Teaches Us about God
- He comforts his people (v. 1)
- He approaches his people with tenderness (v. 2)
- He has paid for our sin (v. 2)
Prayers of Response
Lord, because of _________, I find it hard to believe you look at me tenderly, or that you desire to comfort me.
I praise you, God, because while my mistakes should’ve resulted in _________ and _________, you had the grace to bless me with _________ instead!
Prayer Requests
God, I know that _________ (name) isn’t feeling your comfort right now, please make your presence known to them.
Help me to believe that my sin of _________, has already been paid for, and I no longer have to live in shame because of it.
Prayers of Readiness
Jesus, today I will speak tenderly to _________, even as they test my patience!
Lord, you’ve helped me by _________, and I trust that you’ll help me with _________ as well.
Turning to Scripture in times of hardship or when you’re in need of guidance is a great way to connect with God in the ordinary, extraordinary, everyday moments of life. Visit this page for more Scripture meditations.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
