For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
It’s been interesting to me that more often than ever before in my Christian journey, I’ve been hearing believers are giving more weight to their experiences as more valid than the truth taught throughout the Bible. This is a frightening position to hold because we are highly emotional subjective creatures. My personal experiences cannot negate or take precedence over the truth found in the inerrant Word of God. And it should not. Here’s why.
As a fallible human being, my understanding is finite and limited, whereas God is infinite in wisdom, and understanding and lives beyond the constraints of time. As the Creator God, He alone fully knows and understands how we as His children best function and thrive. As the verse found in Hebrews 4:12 states, the Word of God is alive and active and it judges our thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. Understanding this foundational premise should give each of us confidence in God’s Word to change us; direct us; challenge us; correct us; and guide us through any and every life circumstance we face.
This bold statement about the efficacy of God’s Word as it pertains to my life (and yours) should offer us comfort and consolation when we face trials and difficulties beyond our understanding. Rather than relying upon our own limited wisdom and understanding, we can learn to search out Scripture to discover the minefield of truth to make biblically sound decisions (both large and small). Whether we are faced with a relational impasse; a vocational crossroad; a parenting dilemma, or any number of endless emotionally taxing life situations; God’s Word offers us the blueprint for working toward sound biblical resolutions.
When I listen to individuals attempting to solve their problems by relying on past and present personal experiences as their sole guiding light, it troubles me. Yes, it’s true we should all learn from our mistakes and missteps. However, human wisdom (even the hardest-won human wisdom) isn’t enough able to discern our thoughts and attitudes of the heart as does the Word of God. Scripture alone must hold this position in those who know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
When trials and troubles come my way, I run to God’s Word to anchor me in the midst of life’s tumultuous storms. Nothing and no one else can offer the stabilizing effect that the Word of God in all its magnificent glory and power can do. Let us learn to read, reflect, and meditate on rich biblical truths that will strengthen and fortify one moment to the next when we need it most. And let’s not forget that God never changes…but we are ever-changing, fickle human beings who need the stabilizing, eternally significant truth found throughout the Bible.
Questions for Personal Reflection:
1. In the past week, how often have I relied upon my own personal wisdom and experiences to guide me?
2. When my personal experiences clash with the truth taught in God’s Word, do I struggle to put my trust in God’s higher authority found in Scripture?
3. How might the daily study of the Bible better equip me to understand the thoughts and attitudes of my heart?
4. Commit to memorizing this verse in Hebrews 4:12 to help remind yourself that no matter what circumstance you are facing, God’s Word is sufficient to help guide and instruct your next steps.
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