As Clear as Mud

Written by Marilyn Ehle

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“Let all who are wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord” (Psalm 107:43).

Have you ever come upon a patch of earth that is always muddy due to a slow but steady underground spring? Although the surface is usually dark brown and impenetrable, occasionally a small pebble will rise to the surface and if you look closely enough, you can see streaks of color in the small stone. Others—seeing only the mud—missed the small gem.

If someone asked you the meaning of something you had just read in the Bible, might you have replied, “I don’t know. It was as clear as mud”? Let us be honest: there are parts of the Bible which are simply difficult to understand and our reactions to them can be diverse. We may be tempted to give up and stop reading. Some may lay unnecessary guilt on themselves: “I’m just not spiritual enough to understand.” (They too often give up.) One friend decided that God was trying to trick her into obedience: “He is waiting to see if I will persevere in my study.” Another reaction might be to continually seek out experts whom we assume will have all the answers.

Recently in my Bible reading I came upon several chapters that contained historic facts cloaked in symbolism. My naturally curious mind wanted to “get it.” I wanted proof that the described events had occurred or would occur at some point in the future. I wanted the package neatly tied with a ribbon on top. I wanted all the answers.

Finally I halted my roiling mind long enough to just be still in God’s presence. I reminded myself of what I frequently tell others: did I read anything that needed to be obeyed today? Did I discover anything more of the character of God? My discoveries were just small pebbles, but they brought new color to God’s Word. It takes quiet time and still hearts to heed and ponder.

Father, thank you for the pebbles I find in the most obscure corners of Your Word. Thank you that none of Your words are wasted.

Questions: What have you recently discovered about God in the Bible? What methods do you use to be consistent explorers of God’s truth?

About the Author Marilyn Ehle

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Is it Time to Take a Nap?, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Tags: Bible, discoveries, gem, guilt, historic facts, Marilyn Ehle, mud, obscure, spiritual, symbolism

One Response to “As Clear as Mud”

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Kristen says:

July 21, 2009 at 8:19 am

I thought this was really good. I know sometimes it is hard to pick up the Bible when you are not sure you will get anything out of it or understand something.

However, I would love to know from others what methods do you use to study God’s word and journal that help you be consistent daily?