Were you ever faced with a problem or a situation that you could not find an answer to? If so, where did you turn to find the answer? Often, children of God (men and women alike) will expend a great deal of effort (emotionally, mentally, and yes even physically) to find answers to life’s problems – without ever considering opening and reading the Bible [God’s Holy Word] – which is “God’s Book of Answers.” Some have even wrongfully concluded that the Bible is only relevant for our “spiritual needs”; having no relevance to our daily lives. Likewise, many will discount the power of prayer as a means to find what seemed to be those “hidden” answers / solutions.
Another hindrance for many, with regards to not opening the Bible, is the fear that they will not find the answer [they] want – but, instead will find [God’s] answer for their problem or situation. Yes, finding God’s answer and embracing it can often become quite a struggle – because, it may very likely require you to make a change in your life.
Notice what the Bible states concerning our need to quickly turn to it to find God’s answers.
Proverbs 3:5-6,
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Proverbs 4:5-8,
“Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17,
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Hebrews 4:14-16,
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Proverbs 4:13,
“Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.”
Finally, let us not forsake prayer; for we all need to attend to it. Notice what the Scriptures state concerning prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:17,
“Pray without ceasing.”
Colossians 4:2,
“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;”
Romans 12:12,
“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;”
James 1:5-6,
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”
Prayer is our direct communication line unto the Lord. Prayer is not seeking our “wants” – but seeking God’s answers to our “needs.” Through God’s Word and the guidance of His Holy Spirit we will find [His] answer to any problem or situation that may befall us; even if the Lord’s answer is that we need to “repent”. Too often we fail to recognize that our unconfessed sins will prevent us from receiving an answer to our prayers and/or to our questions.
Psalms 66:18 states,
“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:”
The real question you are now faced with is, “Will prayer and the Bible be your last resort to find answers – or will it be the first place you turn to?” Prayerfully, it will be the first place you turn to, and that you will heed what the Lord directs you to do without hesitation. Consider the alternative; the lack of prayer and seeking God’s will for your life in His Word will only lead you to continuously make the wrong decisions.
