At the end of each year, I choose a prayer theme for the upcoming year. As December 2015 was approaching, I started studying and praying for direction for my 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 that year: Wisdom.
Throughout 2016, my constant prayers were for wisdom, but I must admit that I have let that same prayer slip by the wayside in 2017. 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 recommit 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, through time in His Word.
I love 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?
In anticipation of the Common Threads tomorrow, I confess that I allow the thorns of distraction to hinder me from spending time in the Word. I want to grow and bloom in my hunger for the Word. And so I ask you to serve as iron sharpening iron for me, holding me accountable for the time I spend in the Word.