When you are struggling, reach for the Bible.

@patgalca (18181)
Orangeville, Ontario
January 25, 2008 2:26pm CST
Has anyone ever heard this? I have heard people say just open the Bible and read where ever it opens. I have also heard people say this is NOT recommended. The Priest we have now has recommended it. My family has been struggling financially, most because I am unable to work due to illness. Things just seem to be getting worse. The MasterCard bill came in yesterday and it just got me so depressed. So I reached for the Bible. This is what I read: (Deuteronomy 28) "The alien who lives among you will rise above you higher and higher, but you will sink lower and lower. He will lend to you, but you will not lend to him. He will be the head, but you will be the tail." If that was not enough, I read on: "All these curses will come upon you. They will pursue you and overtake you until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the Lord your God and observe the commands and decrees he gave you. They will be a sign and a wonder to you and your descendants forever. Because you did not serve the Lord your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity, therefore in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and dire poverty, you will serve the enemies the Lord sends against you. He will put an iron yoke on your neck until he has destroyed you." Does that sound comforting to you? It sounds appropriate, however I do serve God in many ways especially through the church. But this is the Old Testament. I think what is recommended that one turn to the Psalms. So I did that. Similar words are used: Psalm 119:27 "He Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your pormise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness." Sorry if I'm boring anyone with Bible verses but I would like to know your opinion. Do you believe that turning to any page in the Bible when one is struggling is the right thing to do? I am speaking, of course, to Christians and believers. I said at the top that some say this is recommended and some say it isn't. Judging by what I read last night my first thought was, "Oh boy, are we scre*ed!" Then I thought about the Psalms and that probably THAT is where one should turn in times of trouble. See the similarities? Is this a coincidence or is God really guiding me? I can pick up a daily book of inspirations and find the quote appropriate to what I am feeling at the time. I can grab a random Grace card and it will also pertain. But what about the Bible? What do you think?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@lala766 (239)
• United States
25 Jan 08
Hello, I have picked up my bible and just started reading wherever it opens up at. OR if there is something I am struggling with I look in the index of my bible and find a scripture that relates to what I am goin through. I always feel a lot better once I read the scripture and write about what I am going through and what the scripture said in my journal. My faith has gotten me through many rough times. There are many books our there as far as inspirational messages that you can read daily. But I think finding a scripture that pertains to your particular situation is a great way to study the Word and practice what it says. Have a Blessed Day!
@patgalca (18181)
• Orangeville, Ontario
25 Jan 08
But the first thing I read was not encouraging at all.
1 person likes this
@lala766 (239)
• United States
25 Jan 08
If you don't mind me asking what was the first thing you read?
@patgalca (18181)
• Orangeville, Ontario
11 Feb 08
What I "first read" is in the original discussion - Deuteronomy. If you read it you will see it is very discouraging.
@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
26 Jan 08
Hi patgalca! I really am sorry to know that you are having some difficulties. I do believe that God is guiding you. Just like you have said, when I read the verse from Deuteronomy, the first thing that went into my mind is "Oh gosh, I am really scre*ed and as I went on reading, I felt relieved knowing that it isn't really like that at all. That is why, I really turn into Psalms in all my troubles too which really drowns me most of the time. And the Word of God just keeps on pushing me to never give up and have faith. Soon God will wipe my tears, that is what I am holding on to. And I hope and pray that you will be delivered from your difficulties and live comfortably for a long long time my dear. Take care and have a nice day! :)
@patgalca (18181)
• Orangeville, Ontario
26 Jan 08
Thank you for your prayers, Faith. I appreciate it. :)
@BarBaraPrz (45498)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
25 Jan 08
Close your eyes and open the dictionary, point to a word and see what it says. Just about as useful.