Learn practical tips to take your Bible study further by finding verses for personal guidance by digging into prayer, reading and study.

From Card Catalogs to Alexa

My generation researched a topic at the school library where we looked in a giant piece of furniture with miniature drawers called a card catalog. Flipping through the alphabet, we’d find the subject and write down the call numbers to locate books on the topic. We’d peruse the shelves full of encyclopedias–the Google of our day.

We’ve come a long way since the “YOU’VE GOT MAIL” days. We’ve far surpassed dial-up and increased our knowledge at the click of a button. A day and age where you can say, “ALEXA” and a computer answers your every question.

Not only have video games and cell phones and the ways we view television improved, but the way we learn about new things has changed. We aren’t simply learning about the rainforest in a book anymore. Now we’re soaring over it through the lens of a drone and watching time-lapse video footage on Planet Earth. We can see things and learn in a completely new way.

The same is true for reading the Bible. Most people in church walk into the building with their Bible on their iPhones. Podcasts, blogs, forums, YouTube videos, online courses, and apps help people interact and debate issues in unique and exciting ways. Knowledge has become endless and the way the Bible is studied, organized, and analyzed is more easily accessible than ever before.

bible verses on guidance

The Accessibility of the Bible

In the times of Jesus, manuscripts were passed down from generation to generation. Word of mouth and daily temple visits was how they shared their knowledge of who God was and called them to be.

After Jesus’ ministry, disciples and missionaries traveled the world preaching the new covenant, the New Testament, that the promised Savior had come. That he had redeemed his people through his perfect sacrifice: himself.

As the centuries continue, we pass on these testimonies, these stories, these prophecies of who God is and the life he calls us to.

There is no better time to be able to access the wealth of information the Bible provides because there are people who have spent their entire lives and careers organizing it by topic, order, and themes. Character studies, life lessons, wisdom on living, it’s all there, waiting to be used. Are you ready to start digging?

bible verses on guidance

Comfort in God’s Wisdom and Guidance

The Bible tells us that we can lean into God and trust him because he is:

  • Omnipresent: always with you
  • Omniscient: all-knowing
  • Omnipotent: unlimited power
  • Omnibenevolent: all-loving

So take comfort in this. We don’t have to take on the full burden of everything that life throws at us because he wants to help us.

Digging into my Bible as a tool for self-help is what gives me encouragement, strength, perseverance, and hope. You’ll never find peace in trying to control your life, because it’s continually changing. But you can find peace and strength and hope and trust and dependence by surrendering to the one who knows you best.

bible verses on guidance

Where Do I Start?

1. Pray: Build a Relationship

There’s more than one way to learn to talk to God. Close your eyes and then speak from the heart! You can also journal your prayers, or use pre-written prayers to make them your own. I love referencing the Psalms when I pray. For example:

Psalm 25:5,9
"Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long...He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way."

Psalm 31:3
"Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me."

Psalm 48:14
"For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end."

Psalm 73:24
"You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory."

Psalm 139:7-10
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."

2. Read: Learn God’s Character

Find a Bible you love by checking out my recommendations and then start a regular practice of reading it! I love the wisdom of the book of Proverbs, mostly written by Solomon, who asked for wisdom from the Lord. It starts like this: 

"The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
    doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to those who are simple,
    knowledge and discretion to the young—
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
    and let the discerning get guidance—
for understanding proverbs and parables,
    the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Proverbs 1:1-7

3. Study: Focus on Personal Growth

My favorite way to get help for an issue is to use a concordance to look up the topic. Many Bibles have these in the back! Then I highlight and write down the verses before I reflect on what they’re teaching me.

Remember, while the Bible can be used to find verses for guidance, it’s not exactly self-help; it’s a Spirit-led guide.

John 16:13
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."

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