I recently finished a Christian book recommended by a friend. In it, the author grappled with hard questions pertaining to her faith. As I read, I remembered when I was in college and struggled with my faith, too. But the deeper I dove into Scripture, the more assured I felt.

From that harrowing experience over twenty years ago as a student, I learned the importance of studying the Bible for myself. I realized that if I always filtered God’s word through someone else, my understanding would invariably be tainted by their biases, opinions, and viewpoints.

God’s word needs no filter. It stands alone.

If you seek God for yourself, friend, He will guide you in your study of His word. Though God gives us pastors and teachers to instruct us, He never intended them to replace our personal, one-on-one devotion time.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

In this passage, rightly dividing is a Greek word, orthotomeó (pronounced or-thot-om-eh'-o). It means to cut straight, to handle aright, to teach the truth directly and correctly.

Studying is essential to discovering truth. And what is truth exactly?

Jesus said in John 14:6 that He is the truth. Therefore, to seek after Christ is to seek after truth. And if we seek Him, the good news is that we will find Him. He will reveal Himself to us in every situation.

Whatever you’re going through, whether it is a faith crisis, health crisis, relationship crisis, financial crisis, or any other general personal crisis, seek the Lord, and you’ll find the answers you need. That doesn’t mean every question will be answered, but your needs will be met.

God has the strength you need. He has the healing you need. He has the peace you need. He has the joy you need. He has the blessed assurance you need.

When you pursue Him with all your heart, He will be everything you need Him to be.

In life, depending on the season you’re in, your needs change. But God, who is the same in every season, never changes. He has always been and will always be just what you need.

Jesus said, “I Am” which is the same name God used to refer to Himself in Exodus 3:14. It seems so nonspecific upon first hearing it and might lead one to ask, “I Am… what exactly?”

Aside from indicating that Jesus and God are one—eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present—Jesus shares several “I Am” statements through Scripture to show us that He is whatever we need.

Jesus said: “I am the bread of life.” “I am the light of the world.” “I am the good shepherd.” “I am the resurrection and the life.”

But that’s not all He is.

He is the first and the last. The Alpha and the Omega. The beginning and the end.

I grew up in church hearing the saints say things like: He is joy in sorrow. He is hope for tomorrow. He is a bridge over troubled water. He is a doctor in the sick room and a lawyer in the courtroom. He’s a friend when you’re friendless. A mother when you’re motherless. A father when you’re fatherless.

What do you need? He is that and more.

Today, if you are struggling in any way, through this devotion, God is drawing you close to Him and saying, “Seek me.”

Jeremiah 29:13 NIV, which is what I’m stirring into today’s cup of inspiration, says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

As you drink down the contents of your cup, take God up on His offer and draw near to Him. When you do that, He will draw near to you and satisfy the longing of your soul.

What do you need? You’ll find it all in Christ.

Let’s pray.

God, thank You for reminding me that You are a present help in times of trouble. Help me turn to You, no matter the struggle I am facing. And give me complete confidence that You will meet every need as Your word promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 If you desire prayer, please allow me, along with my intercessory prayer team, to stand in faith with you for breakthrough. We would be so honored. We have seen God work over and over again. There is power in agreement. Click here to request prayer now.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!