Hard to Explain

Today at work we played Bible trivia. (It was during a break okay!)
Anyways, I started asking some questions from the Bible that you might have learned in Sunday School or Bible School as a child. The game went on for several minutes as we tried to stump each other on questions like, " can you name the 12 disciples" and, "how many years were there between the New and Old Testaments?"  The game was fun and reminded me of my childhood.
On my drive home tonight I started to think about how many people might really enjoy or appreciate the Word if they could understand the Bible and its rich history. I know that before I really started studying the Scriptures I didn't feel connected to the Bible because it was full of stories that did not really make sense. It was deep and confusing and at times overwhelmed me! I mean, seriously, how could I take stories from Scripture and apply them to my life now!?! I could listen to pastors explain the Bible....but I didn't know how to study the Bible on my own. I wanted to understand the Bible, since I said I believed it, but I found it very difficult. (I hope I am not the only one)
Because of my determined and competitive spirit I decided to get a Bible that included a commentary, which helped me to understand things better and also made all the stories finally connect and make sense!
I believe that most of us have a deep desire to understand, question and learn about what we believe. I also believe that sometimes life gets busy and crazy with work, family, friends and stresses that we often don't have the time or if we are honest, make the time, to invest in learning. I am not perfect and I have struggled in my consistency with studying and spending time just getting to know God. As I have studied His Word there have been things that confuse me and make me question. As I walk through this life and see innocent people treated like trash, loved ones die, and held the hands to pray with suffering people my heart cries out to God.."WHY??".  I want answers to the difficult questions so I seek them out in His Word. I have learned that there are no definite answers to some of the hard questions in this life. However, as I have studied the one thing that God reminds me is that this world will have trouble...but in the midst of all of that He will provide us with a peace that can't be explained. He uses the history in Scripture to remind us that in our pain He is a God that never gives up on His people. He is gentle and merciful and full of grace to those who are mad at Him and question Him.
Will we ever receive all the answers to our questions? No. The one thing I can promise you though is that as you seek the answers to your questions He will comfort, heal and provide you with all you need.
That sounds like a children's Sunday School answer I know...but then, what is so wrong with having childlike faith??

Are you angry at God about something that has happened to you in this life?
Are you confused and unsure how to study the Scriptures?
Are you anxious about the future and what will happen to you and your family?

Whatever you are facing my friend I promise that as you take the first step in seeking to know the Lord, He will reveal Himself to you. You might not gain the answers to the questions you seek, but I promise you will receive something even better!


If anyone reads this and would like some good books to read or suggestions on commentaries to help you study...PLEASE let me know in an email! I would love to help!

Oh how He loves you and me!
Jeremiah 33:3