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Drawing Near to the Trough

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By
Dean Butler

Imagine a trough filled with nourishing food. For a hungry animal, this trough is a source of life and sustenance—a place to feed, grow strong, and thrive. Similarly, God’s Word is meant to be our spiritual nourishment, offering wisdom, guidance, and strength.

However, not everyone approaches the trough with the same level of commitment. Some may stand back, hesitant to get too close or engage fully. This reluctance can stem from fear, complacency, or simply not recognizing the full value of what’s offered. Yet, the trough is always there, brimming with what we need.

In the Bible, we see many examples of individuals who sought out God's Word with a fervent desire to be nourished by it. The Psalmist declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105), highlighting the guidance and clarity it provides. Jesus Himself said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). This emphasizes that spiritual nourishment is just as crucial as physical sustenance.

To fully benefit from God’s Word, we must be willing to approach it closely and consume it entirely. This means not just reading it passively but engaging with it actively. It requires setting aside time for prayer and study, asking for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and applying its teachings to our lives. It means allowing the Word to transform us, challenge us, and lead us closer to God. Just as an animal must eat all the food in the trough to be fully nourished, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture and absorb its lessons completely.

The trough is always available, but it’s up to us to make the effort to come close and feed deeply. By drawing near and consuming the full nourishment that God’s Word offers, we experience its richness and grow in our faith.

Let us approach the trough with eagerness and humility, ready to receive and fully embrace the life-giving nourishment that only God’s Word can provide. In doing so, we will find ourselves strengthened, guided, and transformed.

I am a dedicated Bible teacher and evangelist, committed to understanding the Bible deeply and conveying its message in a simple, relatable manner. My primary aim is to lead others to Christ, help them grow in their faith, and teach the true Word of God. I focus on making biblical principles accessible to everyone, using straightforward language and practical applications. Email: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com

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