Handling Rightly the Word of Truth

pc:Rob Wingate

The morning light crept through the trees and spilled through my windowpane onto the warm oak floor. I opened the Bible app to read the daily verse. It was 2 Timothy 2:15 which says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no reason to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

For some reason the phrase, “rightly handling,” jumped out at me as if it was highlighted in neon yellow. This was a familiar verse, but these words had never caught me this way before, so I sat with them for a bit.

The more I meditated on them the more I realized that this phrase implies a few things. First, it infers that the Word is to be ‘handled or used’ not just read and thought about. Secondly, it seems clear that there is a right way and therefore a wrong way to use it.

I wondered, “Am I using God’s word? Am I handling rightly the truths He has shown me? I know many verses and have studied the Bible since I was a little girl but what am I doing with the things I hear and learn? Am I appropriating his promises and using them for comfort, clarity and to combat wrong thinking?”

It seemed this morning that He was gently inviting me to consider although I may be well equipped with the knowledge of His Word, I certainly could use a little more practice putting it into action.

It's so easy for me to get entangled by my emotions. Feelings can be loud and demanding. The attention they seem to require often hijacks the truth of the situation. Emotions are important but they cannot be counted on as truth tellers. Just as we would not entrust our lives behind the wheel of a two-year-old, we should not allow our feelings to drive the bus. When I am caught up in the swirl of my feelings, speaking truth out loud helps shake me out of it. I need daily reminders of what God says is true.

Using the word begins with the choice to believe that it is true and put my full weight on it even before I ever see it or taste its fruit. The truth is I am standing on something. Whether its doubt, worry or fear, standing on anything but God and His word is sinking sand. It will not hold up. The best part is God promises His word will never fail and that it is always true.

To be honest though, standing on the truth of His word feels scary and unsure too. But experience has shown me that my own controlling ways do not actually bring the peace they seem to promise. The felt sense of control gives me a quick shot of relief, but it is not lasting. It only turns back on itself, as my poor solution ends me up in a self-made mess, and I find myself scrambling once again to find my footing.

So, to be proactive I decided to think through some of these truths and write them down. This way I have something to refer to when the feelings hit hard. Please feel free to use this list if you find it helpful, or better yet make your own!

Listen carefully to the words that feel like a cup of water for your soul and soak there. Let’s allow these truths to work their way into the marrow of our bones and make their home in our hearts.

Onward and upward together!

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For when I don’t feel I have enough…

God is my provider and promises to give me all I need. If I don’t have it, I don’t need it now anyway. He loves to give His children bread and from His hand we all are fed, in body, soul and spirit. The Father of blessings tends to my soul like a shepherd and is taking care of me. (Matt 7:11, Ps 23:1, Ps 81:10, Luke12:6-7)

When I feel unseen…

The truth is, God sees me. ‘El Roi,’ the God who sees me, is His name. He sees all of me, body, soul, and mind. Others may ignore me, overlook me or may not understand my heart, but I am truly and completely known by the One who created me. He sees the injustice, the wounds, the broken pieces and the shame. He sees it all and loves me just the same. (Gen.16:13, Ps.139:1-3)

When I feel out of control…

It is true that I am not in control of others or the circumstances around me. But God knows what He is doing and is holding all things together. Also, He has given me self-control which is a fruit of the spirit and evidence of His Spirit in me. This is good news and something I can do. What choices do I have? Is there something I can do to comfort myself or calm my soul? (Col.1:17, Gal 5:22-23, 2 Tim 1:7)

When I feel alone…

I am not alone. I was not alone yesterday, nor will I be tomorrow. He is here with me in this moment today even if it doesn’t feel that way. I can choose to act on this truth and walk in confidence that I have a companion and friend, and I have been chosen by Him. (John 15:15, Ps 73:23, Matt 28:20, Deut.31:8)

When I feel bad about myself…

I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I was handed crafted by the Creator of all Creators, the Master and Most High. I have His image stamped into my very being and on top of that, I carry His Spirit around inside my body. The most attractive one ever, lives inside of me. Other’s flocked to Him and couldn’t get enough of His welcoming presence. He’s the one whose face shone on the mountain top. He glows so, I glow too. Unattractive is impossible for Him therefore it’s impossible for me too.(Ps.139:13-16, Gen.1:27, Luke 5:15, Matt.17:2)

When I feel old…

God’s word says that grey hair is a “crown of splendor” and not to be despised but cherished. He promises that He will sustain me and renew my strength all the days of my life. I don’t age alone because God is with me. He will carry me and sustain me. He says I will bear much fruit in my later years and have a purpose for living. So, I will embrace my aging body knowing that I am valuable and beautiful in His sight.(Prov.16:31, Is.46:4, Ruth 4:15, Ps. 92:14)

When I am losing hope…

My God is the God of all hope, not some hope, all hope! So, hope is my heritage and my birthright. Therefore, by faith I will put aside the thoughts that tell me otherwise. They do not belong to me for I am a child of the King, and his inheritance is mine.(Romans 15:13, Matt 12:21, Is.40:31, Eph.1:18, Col 3:24, Romans 8:14-17)

When I am weary and have lost my joy…

Lack of joy often comes from weariness, and God I am weary, but your Word says Your joy is my strength. You have an unending supply of joy because you see things rightly. You know my story and where things are headed. You are the one who lifts my head and turns my face. You say look up and look to me. Your joy is contagious and a gift to me. You have authority over all things, and I can trust your goodness. It is in the works and on the way. (Nehemiah 8:10, Ps. 139:16, Ps. 3:3, Ps.23:6)