“The unfolding of your word gives light; so even the simple can understand.”

Psalm 119:130

I always loved playing connect the dots. For some reason the curiosity and mystery of the hidden picture intrigued me. The ones that guided me number by number of course, were easy. But as I grew older, the discovery of the unnumbered dots became increasingly challenging. I would sit and contemplate the blueprint of the mystery for hours! Sometimes I was able to get it. Sometimes I was not. But I never gave up trying to figure out the whole picture.

Over time, I learned that understanding the Bible is much like connecting the dots. When I was young, I’d use scripture to ease my hurt and warm my soul. It was an easy feel – good fix that didn’t require much thought. But as I matured, those same verses would become richer and more meaningful as I began to connect the dots of the Bible.

When my Mother and Father in-law bought me a life application study Bible, it began to change the way I approached Scripture. I had never had such wealth of information; history, commentary, cross-reference, and notes. So much information from the creators of the publication. But as I began to contemplate the blueprint of my new Bible, I began to gain information and understanding from the Creator of it all. I had no idea the Bible could be so exciting or that the Bible was one big picture made up of many little dots. And I had never understood the power to teach that God has through His Word.  

I will say that I’m still connecting it all together. I don’t think we’ll ever have the full picture here on earth. But it’s ok to doubt. It’s ok to question. It’s ok to be lost and not know what to do or read next. But those very questions are the ones that bring you closer to the one Who knows it all.

Reading the Bible can be difficult. It can be frustrating, and at times, you may come across a story that seems dry and unmeaningful. But don’t give up. Keep searching. Keep using the tools that are given to us through each other and keep using the tools that are given to us in His Word. Seeking answers from the Lord will excite the Holy Spirit, who is our greatest resource of all, and over time, He will bring you understanding and clarity.  

God is in the business of making whole the broken and elucidating the mysteries that challenge our faith. But we have our part to play. Just as a puzzle takes patience and time, understanding Scripture takes perseverance and determination. God will use every word in Scripture to help you understand His big picture and where you fit into it. When you let God know that you desire a deeper understanding of His Word, He will open up a world of blessing as He reveals His hidden truths. Take the time to connect the Scriptural dots. Challenge yourself to see it through. And listen as God teaches you. It’s the greatest puzzle you will ever complete.