Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with a young woman who is a new believer.  We discussed a number of issues in her life, including dealing with anxiety.  She wanted help in dealing with her anxiety and handling the other issues.  She basically wanted to know how to get more out of her new faith.

Maybe you are in the same situation.  How do I let God minister to me?  How do I come to know Him better? How do I take the next step in my faith and maturity? This will help you answer these questions: http://waylonbailey.com/2011/08/a-checklist-for-taking-the-next-step/

This was my response to her.

Knowing God is all about you, not about God.  God is not hiding from you.  He wants to be known by you.  You have to begin the process of knowing God, and you must begin with the Word of God.  It is not enough simply to pray.  Prayer without the Scripture becomes what my mother used to call a “gimme” session.  We simply ask God to give us things.  When He doesn’t come through the way we want, we become angry with God.

I suggested that she begin by reading a few passages of Scripture each day, beginning with Philippians 4:4-9 to help her with her anxiety. Verses six and seven are the heart of the passage: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  This is a powerful passage of Scripture.  I gave her this passage because I read it–now quote it– almost everyday.  It helps me with my anxiety.

I then suggested that she read a chapter per day in the New Testament.

She wrote back and had found many passages of Scripture that spoke to her needs (the Bible always does).  This is ideal.  She is learning to “feed herself” with God’s Word.  She will be fine. 

Now she wants to know how to read the Bible.  She wants to know where should she start.  My answer.  Read the New Testament.  I think that three chapters each day is about right.  Do this, and you will have read through the New Testament in 90 days.

You must learn to “feed yourself” from God’s Word. That means daily meeting with God and daily seeking to know Him and what He wants in your life. The Scripture will help you underststand this.

When you do this you are not only taking the next step in your life but you are also beginning to learn what comes next. This is what knowing Christ means.

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