Devotion: Renewal
This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful. I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
In my late 20’s I started attending a weekly, women’s Bible Study. We were all stay-at-home moms looking for a way to connect.After we dropped the kids off at school, we met at church and studied the book of Ephesians. The woman who led the study took us line by line, word by word, through the chapters, tearing apart each nuance of the Greek language. The pages of Ephesians in my Bible contain no white space. I wrote in the margins, underlined words and phrases, drew arrows connecting thoughts to Bible references hoping to soak in what it all meant. I made notes when I wasn’t sure I understood. I spelled words I couldn’t pronounce. I circled phrases and underlined sentences desperate not to forget. I was in awe of our teacher and her ability to make something so heady, apply to our daily lives. She was smart, genuine and gave the best hugs!
Gathered around that table, our little group prayed for each other’s babies and husbands. We prayed that we were making a difference. We prayed through tears and circumstances we couldn’t understand. We celebrated life’s big and small moments together. These women were so honest with their prayers. My prayer life grew from “Come, Lord Jesus…”, to learning to share my deepest desires. It was truly a sacred space.
I look back fondly on those days, studying Ephesians with that group of moms. I was in a place where it was ok to not have all the answers. It was ok to question God’s Word. It was ok when I stumbled while I prayed. I discovered that being consistent in Bible study mattered. Being faithful in my prayer life mattered. Finding a sacred space where I could share mattered.
Now in my late 40’s, women’s Bible studies continue to hold a special place in my heart. Gathering together with women of all ages who are eager to delve into God’s Word is cherished time. Sharing thoughts, stumbling and questioning together is meaningful. I also have grown to treasure personal study alone at home. I will never understand all of God’s Word and I certainly won’t have all the answers, but I know that the journey along the way matters.
Dear God, Help us to know that continuing to grow our faith matters. That studying your words, teaching our children and setting an example matters. Help us to remember to be strong and courageous because you are with us. In the mighty and saving name of Jesus, Amen.
Written by Julie Anderson
