The Bible and...: Part 8: Our Experiences

The Bible and...: Part 8: Our Experiences
Monday, July 8, 2024 by Dr. James W. Walraven

Do we interpret the Bible based on our life experiences, or do let the Bible inform us in regards to our life experiences?

Experiences can be either good or bad. For example, if we grew up in a loving home, the love we received from our parents, and especially from our human father, may help us in terms of how we view God, life, and our place in it. We may have grown up in a positive supportive environment, and if so, it is something to be most thankful for.

But all too many of us have had profoundly negative experiences, often traumatically so. They likely impacted us greatly, and have hindered our faith and our walk with God. Even with loving parents and family, no one is exempted from having traumatic experiences. Jesus even promised that in this world we will have tribulation (John 16:33). It isn’t “might”, it is “will”. We live in a wourld where sin abounds, and we face that daily.

As for our own lives, perhaps we had an alcoholic parent, or one who was verbally or physically abusive. Perhaps we’ve been exposed to lots of death, notably in childhood. Perhaps one has gone through the horror and trauma of being raped. Maybe we were constantly told we were stupid, wouldn’t amount to anything, or were lazy. Then there’s the issue of divorce. What about severe illness, either one’s own or regarding another family member? Maybe we grew up with no family at all. The list can be near endless. All of these things can impact our view of God and how we read and interpret Scripture.

If you’ve read my second book, “One in Christ: Growing toward Christian Maturity,” you’ve read about some of the ones I’ve gone through, personal experiences that serve as examples at different points of the book.

Did you notice that I referenced only a part of John 16:33? It doesn’t end with the hopelessness of endlessly experiencing tribulation. The verse doesn’t say: “You’re going to have lots of tribulation! Sorry, tough luck.” But what does Jesus say at the end of the verse? He says, “But take courage; I have overcome the world.”

Who or what defines us? It is a more important question than we sometimes like to admit or think. God can use Scripture to help us overcome the life patterns we’ve developed due to our negative experiences. Our coping strategies can become so ingrained that we often don’t even notice or recognize them. They become that automatic.

As believers, either we will let God, through the Scriptures, define who we are, or we let those past negative experiences continue to dictate our identity. Through Christ, overcoming past trauma is possible. As Jesus said, He has overcome the world. As believers, since we are in Christ, it is possible for us to do so as well. That doesn’t mean it will be easy, but through Christ, it is possible.

The choice is ours, either we’ll get our identity through our experiences, or we will let God, through His Word define us. Depending on one’s past, counseling may be a wise and even necessary step to take. But ultimately, we’ll either place those experiences above Scripture, or place Scripture above those experiences. Either the one or the other will determine our identity.

Be encouraged! Through Christ, victory is possible. Even better, as genuine believers, we have a secure eternal future and hope.

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