Can you see something new?

There is so much in the saying, Something Old, something new. A bride uses it for good fortune in her marriage on her wedding day; a picker finds something joyful in an item someone is throwing out; my picture has a vase that was my grandmother’s, but it’s like new in my home. Just as with these treasures, we can gain something new from something old.

Do you have a favorite movie that you watch over and over? And when you watch that movie, do you continue to see new things that you've never seen before, even though you have watched it so many times? One that comes to mind for me is Christmas Vacation. We watch that every year with the family to kick off the Christmas season the day after Thanksgiving. Its goofy antics and silly scenes keep us laughing still after all this time, and even better, the anticipation of watching it lifts our spirits after all that cooking and eating, lol! Although the family has been watching it for at least 20 years- as long as I've been in the family- there are still new things we notice. Facial expressions, movements, outfits, even words that are spoken, come to life like we've never seen before.

I find it so interesting that the Bible can do the same thing. Something so old that can come to new life. We can read a verse over and over, have it memorized or heard it in church. One day, that particular verse speaks so clearly to me and carries so much wisdom and understanding that I wonder how I've never heard it before. Just like the movies, when we continue to see or read something over and over, more and more shows up. Just as a bride will carry something old and something new as good luck in her marriage, so we can read something old, yet find something new, every time. I believe God designed us this way so that as we continue to know the bible, we continue to learn more. In turn, we know God and His character more and more.

One tip I've heard over the years is to read through the gospels; Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These are the first four books of the new testament and chronicle the life of Jesus. They all have a slightly different perspective based on the author’s life experience, but tell similar stories. They knew it was important to document in that time. It was not 'the bible' back then. But they knew that what Jesus was doing was important enough to document.

When I first heard podcaster and author, Annie F. Downs, talk about reading through the gospels, and then once she was finished, doing it all over again, I had the attitude that, 'well, I know the gospels and the stories in them, why do I need to read through them again?' But something ignited an interest in me about it- Annie said that she was changed by reading through them. Her spirit was moved and she could see changes in herself and how she responded to the outside world. It was enough for me to give it a try, so I am reading through John. At least one chapter a day. And surprise, surprise, there is so much coming out of it. I laugh under my breath when I think about how God can speak so clearly through His word, and yet I think I already know it. When people say that the Word is living and breathing, this is what they mean. What Jesus and God have said is still true today, and when you read it, it comes to life in you.

Something that really stuck out to me recently is that the Holy Spirit is such a gift. Jesus was talking to His disciples, and the time was near for Him to be crucified (though the disciples did not know at the time). Jesus said,

"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I told you." John 14:26

So first of all, God sends us this gift of His Spirit, which is with us at all times (if you’ve accepted Christ), and teaches us and reminds us of what we need to know. I know Jesus is talking to the disciples about the things He specifically told them and showed them, but here we are reading about it, and being reminded of all He had done, and now the Spirit continues to teach us and guide us. He will remind us without faltering, without judging us or shaming us if we forget or lose track. What is even more incredible, is that the VERY next verse says,

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

To me, that means that when God is teaching us, whether through His word, through a message, a prayer, or a friend, what immediately should follow is Peace. God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), but of peace. So when you feel a tug at your heart, although it may be something difficult you need to do, to say, to change…when you do it or think about it, it should also bring peace.

He has given us everything we need- to be reassured to know Him, and to know that peace should follow. Have you ever had a boss or a leader follow up after a meeting to make sure things get done or that everyone is understanding? God follows up with peace.

Put it into practice:

Start reading through the gospels. If it is new to you, it is helpful to have a study bible to understand the context of what is happening. (I also use a study bible, so it’s not just for the newbies!). Underline, highlight, and record what is speaking to you. Notice the peace that follows when the Spirit points out something specific. It can seem totally random at first, but God will bring it together.

Fun fact:

If you look at many different translations of the bible (see link above with John 14:26), the word for Holy Spirit- whom Jesus was introducing to the disciples- includes Counselor, Friend, Comforter, Helper, Companion, and Advocate. Let all who God is resonate with you today.

Dear God,

Thank you for the gift of your Spirit, that you are with us always and speaking to us to help us understand who you are. Thank you for your living word, and help me be disciplined to read it each day, and to notice what you want me to learn. Bring my attention to your Peace, and thank you for your loving character to desire peace for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

That Sounds Fun podcast, Annie F Downs, 2022

Cheerful Bones

Can you see something new?

Related Posts

Comments

I see you

Let Faith Surround You

God's purpose for me