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Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.¹

We can trust the LORD for he is all-powerful,² holy,³ good,⁴ and trustworthy—God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?⁵ God gives much weight to both his name and his word.⁶

Paul reminds us, For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance, and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.⁷ He encourages us who are religious to add to our zeal for God knowledge.⁸ Worst than ignorance is to believe what isn’t so. Seek truth! The LORD accuses Israel, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge . . .⁹

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.¹⁰ Understanding Scripture may be daunting at first; indeed due to time demands, the daily discipline of setting a quiet time with God to study his word may be dreadful; but with practice and perseverance, it turns into a delight. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.¹¹ Decide to read a chapter a day to develop the habit (May I suggest starting with the gospels; e.g., Mark has only 16 chapters). I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.¹²

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.¹³ God’s words produce life. Whoever believes in [Jesus], as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”¹⁴ So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.¹⁵

“You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.¹⁶ Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.¹⁷

Trust that God’s word shall not return to him empty, but it shall accomplish its purpose for which it was sent.¹⁸ May Jesus be satisfied with you as you diligently seek him through his word,¹⁹ and be full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able to instruct one another.²⁰

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.²¹ Amen.