At the end of each year, I choose a prayer theme for the upcoming year. As December was approaching, I started studying and praying for direction in the 2016 prayer focus. Frustration set in as the turn of the year approached.
“Okay, God. I thought I was supposed to start these prayers on January 1st. Although I recognize that dates don’t matter to you in that way, I thought I would have an answer by now. I really need your guidance and direction…”
My prayers continued and then it hit me: What I had been was praying for was wisdom. And so, my prayer focus for this year: Wisdom.
And while God promises to grant wisdom to those who ask for it (James 1:5), we must do our part to seek it and seek him.
Therefore, I committed to going straight to the source. Wisdom doesn’t just descend upon us like a heavenly cloud carrying a light bulb of understanding. Rather, we have to seek it—listen to the voice of the author of wisdom.
Here are some of the ways in which I am seeking additional time in the Word and the wisdom that only comes from God:
- One Year Bible for Women, NLT (nightly)
- The Story, NIV, edited by Randy Frazee (weekly)
- YouVersion Bible app, ESV (study and additional reading)
- BibleGateway.com, for study and quotes
- Additional reading in various Spanish versions of the Bible
As you may notice, I am using multiple versions of the Bible for my devotional reading and study. Using more than one version provides added insight and can highlight a portion of the living Word that we may have never noticed before.
How are you currently spending time in the Word? What is your favorite version of the Bible and why?