“How to get started reading the Bible”—we’ve all googled it before. No matter how far you’ve come on your faith journey, reading the Bible can be hard! We’re right there with you. We see these Scripture meditations as a way to read Scripture in a digestible way. Let’s start together, one verse at a time!
Is the World Broken?
Sometimes it feels like we get a hint of it– the veil between heaven and earth is thinned, and we are left with a sense of, “This is how it’s meant to be.” But, other times? The brokenness in the world around us–war, premature death, violence against the vulnerable–can feel like too much to bear. Our hearts cry out, “How long, oh Lord, how long?”
But check this out! The Lord is not separate from us in these sufferings. He is making all things new– right here, right now. This change begins in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, until the day that we are able to fully live into his promise that all wrongs are made right. The world as he intended.
Revelation 21:3-5
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Observations from the Text
- We will be reunited wholly with God (v. 3)
- Death and suffering are defeated (v. 4)
- All things will be made right (v. 5)
Prayers of Response
Promise-Keeper, keep my hope alive as I witness the brokenness of ___________.
Defeater of Death, I praise you though I am still mourning the loss of ___________.
Prayer Requests
Lord, help me see your faithfulness as I struggle with ___________.
God who wipes away tears, help ___________ feel your presence in the midst of suffering.
Prayers of Readiness
Father, when I face ____________, remind me that this pain will not be permanent.
Jesus, help me be ready to show your love to ___________ while they grieve.
This page has our stockpile of Scripture meditations that we believe help us connect with God in our everyday lives. Check it out for more relevant explorations of biblical wisdom!
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.™
