SUGGESTIONS AND THOUGHTS ON REFLECTING ON GOD’S WORD by Dr. Chuck Davis
Everyone “reflects” in one way or another on one topic or another. Maybe it is reflection on life as each birthday rolls around. Or maybe it is the college to attend or the vocation to follow. Major choices in life will usually cause all of us to reflect on the decisions we make and think through what the ultimate outcome will be.
For the Christian reflection on what God says to us through His Word, the Bible, should be an absolute priority. After all when God speaks, places it in written form, and makes it available to us it surely is important. But when we say we should reflect on God’s Word what do we mean?
Reflection is often thought of as the action of giving serious thought or consideration of a matter. It means the action of bending or folding back things in order to see things better; like a cover on a package. Reflection is thinking aimed at achieving better understanding of what is being considered. Reflection is often an exploration and explanation of events, thoughts, or statements. All of this is or can be involved in biblical reflection.
In reflecting on the Bible, whether a verse, chapter or passage of Scripture, we should ask ourselves some questions. “What does God want me to know from what I read?” “Is there an application in this portion of the bible for my life now?” “How does God want me to respond now to what I just read?” More questions will come to mind as you take time to explore or “uncover” the bible verse or portion of Scripture you have just read.
Reflection takes time. Sometimes the Holy Spirit will reveal instantly what He wants you to glean from the Word of God you just read. But real reflection on what you read may take not just a moment of time but some extended time. In fact you may end up reflecting on the Word throughout your day as you go about your daily activities.
The ultimate outcome of real reflection on God’s Word is that our life will change; our actions will change. Many people rush through reading the bible just so they can say they have read their bible even though often they can’t remember what they read and no life change comes about even though they read the bible.
The bible says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says,” (James 1:22 NIV). Reflection on God’s Word should result in a response to God’s Word that leads to godly behavior. Spiritual growth for the Christian is tied to reflection on the Word of God and the application of the life principles found in the Word. The more we “fold back the cover” the more we will see of God’s truth and lessons for our life. As you begin your daily bible reading and reflection time pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your time in the Word and teach you what He wants to give you for the day that will help you to be a better “doer of the Word” and not a hearer only.
TEN THOUGHTS FOR REFLECTION TIME by Dr. Chuck Davis
APPOINTMENT – Try to meet God each day at the same time and look forward to it.
SLOW DOWN – This is a time to spend with God. The world wants to rush you but this time with God is the most important time of your day.
STEP AWAY FROM THE WORLD AND REORIENT TO GOD AND HIS WORD.
KEEP SPIRITUAL THINGS FIRST – What is God doing? What has God done in your life? How is God working in your life now? What will God say to you today?
THINK ABOUT THE WORD AS A MIRROR – The Word will help to reflect the way your life really is. The Word will reveal your strengths and weaknesses
PRAY BEFORE YOU BEGIN THEN OPEN YOUR MIND, HEART, EYES AND EARS TO GOD. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS PRESENT AND WILL TEACH YOU AND GUIDE YOU INTO THE TRUTHS OF THE WORD.
EXPECT TO LEARN GREATER PERSPECTIVES ON LIFE, LIVING AND JOY. LISTEN AS GOD LEADS YOU TO RESPOND TO THE WORD IN A POSITIVE WAY.
LEARN FROM THE PEOPLE AND EVENTS IN THE BIBLE. THEY ARE THERE TO TEACH YOU. A TIME TO REFLECT ON THE LIVES OF PEOPLE LIKE JOSEPH, DAVID, AND SOLOMON WILL TEACH YOU MUCH.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN TODAY? IS THERE A LESSON FOR ME? IS THERE AN ACTION I NEED TO TAKE?
PRAY. GOD WANTS TO KNOW YOUR LIFE NEEDS AND HEAR OF YOUR LOVE FOR HIM.