By Gillian Bethel
I lay on my bed reflecting hopelessly on my situation. I was trapped, struggling to cope, with no quick way out. I longed for peace and a refuge from it all. The details aren’t important. It was years ago, but it’s a scenario many of us know too well.
I randomly opened the Bible—a new book for me—and suddenly I found God Himself directly addressing me: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isa. 41:10. It impacted me like a personal text message! I found more: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.” Isa. 43:1, 2. I was in deep waters—almost over my head!
I was surprised and touched. Here was direct and personal reassurance from Someone who seemed to know about my struggles and was going to get me through them. He wasn’t the stern and distant God I was expecting! Who was He? His words really resonated with me, and I wanted to know. Later, I found this: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.” Psalm 147:3–5. Then there was this: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, with loving kindness I have drawn you.” Jer. 31:3. I couldn’t help feeling drawn to this caring God despite my prejudices!
Granted, I was taking some of the verses out of context. Some were addressed to Israel, but they spoke powerfully to my heart, too. What was their background? In brief, the Old Testament is the story of a long and stormy relationship between God and the nation of Israel, to whom He chose to reveal His love for the whole world. But I discovered a much bigger backstory. The human race is on a path to misery and death, which is not what God intended for us. The whole Bible is about His mission to rescue us individually and restore us to unending life and joy. This is where Jesus comes in. I discovered Him to be an amazing Being, too: alive, compassionate, and reaching to us in our needs. His words also touched me personally: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation [trouble]; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. I didn’t know what that meant yet, but His words actually gave me peace. If I read them often when I was in a stressful situation, they calmed me as He provided both shelter and power! I began to talk to God and Jesus, sharing my troubles, and They clearly answered me in Bible verses and events. It was the beginning of a life-renewing conversation that we’re still having. Anyone can converse with Them this way, and it changes things!
Although the Bible was written to people in another place and time, it speaks individually to us, too. This is the ultimate test of the Bible—can it truly impact a life? For me, the answer is yes, continually.
Notes
All Bible verses taken from the New King James Version.
I started reading the Bible with Isaiah, chapters 40–66, and the Gospel of John. Genesis, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the other gospels are also good starting points.
Gillian Bethel, PhD, worked in stress management for many years. She is passionate about making Christianity practical for daily challenges.