Hebrews 4:12 says: For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

God’s Word has a way of entering us and as we read it, in a divine, supernatural way it ends up reading us. Have you ever had a moment where you felt a passage was speaking directly into a feeling or situation you had? When those words on a page seem to know exactly what going on with you right now and it takes on a whole new meaning when the promise God is making invades into that place you’re at?

It happens, and can happen, all the time. But I’ve found there are times when the words seem to be more ancient than true. I end up stuck on a page in archaic terms and thoughts that seem more disjointed than detective of what I’m going through.

What do you do when that happens? Turn to a different section? Give up reading altogether? Or do you press into those frustrating moments and try to decipher what God is saying – first to the original audience of the Scripture, and then to yourself?

An exercise that’s proven to be helpful is to take a section of Scripture and give it a new rendition. This is not an attempt to rewrite or redefine what the Bible is saying, but it is a chance to dwell on it’s truth while conversing with the text through modern day language and thought.

This past Friday morning at LSA, a group of 8th graders took a chance at this exercise, and here’s what some of them came up with:

Taking Psalm 64, students Heather, Leah, Abby, and Lucas wrote:

Hear and save me from the enemy. Hide me, O Lord, from the wicked and the evil ones; the ones who prepare themselves to do evil, who attack the innocent suddenly and fearlessly, encouraging each other to commit sin against the peaceful. They search for the weak for their hearts and minds are full of sin. God protects the weak and innocent, the evil turns against themselves. All creation fears the Lord and His actions. Let all His people be joyful in Him!

From Psalm 26, students Alexa, Matthew, Coby, Clayton, and Kenny wrote:

Clear my record – for in You, I am perfect. I have devoted myself to you with little doubt. Determine my worth as I walk through temptations; judge my life and my all. I can never step from the nonexistent boundaries of your love, righteousness, and mercy. I do not agree with liars, nor do I converse with hypocrites. I loathe the organizations of sinners and I shudder at the thought of smiling with their evil. I cleanse my mind from evil thoughts and actions before I pray to you, Lord. I will tell of your faithfulness and I will sing of your grace. I appreciate all that you’ve made, O Lord. And I dwell where you are. Leave me with fellow believers, not with the ruthless souls of evil men. They tempt me with earthly desires while they only hold their own ball-and-chains. I am not perfect, but in your mercy I am free. My life is on your stable foundations, where I will stand strong and sing of your name.

From Psalm 39, Brandon, Jordan, Bryson, and Elijah said:

I will not associate myself with evil, so that I do not become like them. I was left alone, so I asked God for help. I ask him to help me understand. I do not understand why good things happen to bad people. Then I ask him to help me. To help me keep my eyes on him, and put him first. I remind him that I and his servant, and a guest in his house. I ask that he never departs from me.

From Psalm 70, Ryan, Eric, Morgan, and Aaron wrote:

Quickly, O God, help me; O Lord come quickly to save me. Let those who search for my being live in guilt and be puzzled. They who lust for my destruction, turn away in their shame. Those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” turn away because of their guilt. Let everyone praise and be happy; because they have been saved, “Praise the Lord!” There are those homeless and starving. Please, help them. For those needing help, the forgiveness of the Lord awaits.

From Psalm 41, Kierstin, Tamara, Zoey, and Lily said this:

You are blessed if you take care of the poor. When you’re in trouble, he’ll save you; the Lord protects us and lets us live. We are blessed. We do not stop believing in him. The Lord keeps us alive when we are sick, he restores us to full health. The Lord heals us when we sin. The devil waits for us to turn against God. Those hating me talk bad about me. Now all the people that hated me will raise up no more. My own friend, who I trusted, turned his back on me and spread lies. But you’ll be good to me, Lord. Lift me up, and repay them! I know that you are happy with me, my enemy won’t win against me. You have held me up because of my character, and keep me in your sights forever. Be blessed Lord, the God of Israel, forever and ever! Amen and amen.

And from Psalm 36:1-5, Alyssa, Ajaya, and Jordan wrote:

Sin speaks to those who have evil in their hearts. Where there is no fear or true knowledge of God in his eyes. He sees himself higher than others in his own eyes, so he blinds others from his wrongdoings by making himself out to be perfect. The words that leave his mouth are hurtful. He refuses to do anything that’s right. He plans to hurt people while he is home and he has put himself in a path that is not good for others nor himself. He welcomes evil with open arms, rather than rejecting evil and doing what was right.

After these students made their renditions, all agreed – the Scriptures were accessible, more understandable, and they saw them in a way they hadn’t before. Don’t hesitate to press in to hard places that might be challenging or frustrating you in God’s Word…it may just be the Word God intends to grow you through that day!

Enjoying the Journey,
Pastor Doug