Rooted And Grounded in Understanding: Finding Answers in the Bible

Introduction

Main Scripture References:

Psalm 34:17-18

"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Psalm 100:1-2

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs."

2 Timothy 3:16-17

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to take you on a little trip down memory lane. Do any of you remember those classic Ragu commercials from back in the day? You know the ones I’m talking about – the ones that promised us that everything we needed for a delicious, home-cooked meal was "in there" – in that one jar of Ragu sauce.

[Optional: Show a short clip of a Ragu commercial.]

In those commercials, they would list off all the ingredients – the ripe tomatoes, the herbs, the spices – and then confidently declare, “It’s in there!” No matter what you were looking for to make your meal perfect, you could trust that Ragu had already included it in their sauce. It was a simple yet powerful message: all the goodness you needed was right there in that jar.

Transition to the Bible

Now, I want you to think about that phrase, "It's in there," but in a different context. Imagine if, just like that jar of Ragu, there was a source that contained everything you needed for life's challenges, joys, and questions. Well, there is, and it's right here in the Bible.

Just like the commercial claimed all the necessary ingredients for a great meal were "in there," the Bible contains all the wisdom, guidance, and answers we need for our lives. Whether you're dealing with sorrow or joy, seeking guidance or growth, the Bible has it all.

Today, I want to explore how we can turn to the Bible for everything we face in life – the good and the bad – because truly, "It's in there."

Main Points

For Times of Trouble and Sorrow

• Scripture Reference: Psalm 34:17-18

Psalm 34:17–18 LSB

The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears And delivers them out of all their troubles. Yahweh is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Illustration

Let me share a personal story. A dear friend of mine went through a period of deep sorrow after losing a loved one. During that time, they found immense comfort in the words of Psalm 34:17-18. Each time they felt overwhelmed by grief, they would read these verses and feel a sense of peace, knowing that the Lord was near to their broken heart.

Key Message

When you are in sorrow or trouble, remember "It's in there" – the Bible has the comfort and hope you need.

When I am overwhelmed by sorrow or trouble, do I seek comfort in God's Word and trust in His promise to be near the brokenhearted?

For Guidance and Wisdom

• Scripture Reference: Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 3:5–6 LSB

Trust in Yahweh with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

Illustration

I once knew a young professional who was at a crossroads in their career. Unsure of which path to take, they turned to Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in the Lord and seeking His guidance through prayer and scripture, they found the clarity they needed. Today, they are thriving in their chosen path, grateful for the wisdom found in God's word.

Key Message

When you need guidance or wisdom, "It's in there" – the Bible provides direction and understanding.

Am I leaning on my own understanding, or do I trust in God's wisdom and seek His guidance through Scripture?

For Celebrations and Joy

• Scripture Reference: Psalm 100:1-2

Psalm 100:1–2 LSB

Make a loud shout to Yahweh, all the earth. Serve Yahweh with gladness; Come before Him with joyful songs.

Illustration

Think of the story of King David bringing the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. David danced with all his might before the Lord, celebrating with joy and gladness (2 Samuel 6:14-15). The Bible encourages us to rejoice in the Lord, just as David did.

Key Message

In times of celebration and joy, "It's in there" – the Bible encourages us to rejoice and be glad.

Do I take time to rejoice and give thanks to God, acknowledging His role in my moments of happiness and success?

For Learning and Growth

2 Timothy 3:16–17 LSB

All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be equipped, having been thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Illustration

The Bible is an incredible resource for personal and spiritual growth. For example, consider the wisdom found in the Book of Proverbs, which offers practical advice on living a righteous life. Or the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, which guide us on how to love and serve others. Each passage equips us with the knowledge and strength to grow in our faith and actions.

Key Message

When you seek to learn and grow, "It's in there" – the Bible equips us for every good work.

How often do I turn to the Bible for personal and spiritual growth, and am I allowing its teachings to transform my life?

Conclusion

• As we come to the end of today's message, let's remember the main theme: No matter what we face in life – whether it's times of trouble or sorrow, moments needing guidance and wisdom, periods of celebration and joy, or seasons of learning and growth – the Bible has the answers and guidance we need.

• Just like the Ragu commercial reminded us that everything we needed for a perfect meal was "in there," I want you to remember that for every situation in life, "It's in there" – the Bible has it all.

Call to Action

• I encourage each of you to make reading and studying the Bible a regular part of your life. The wisdom, comfort, and guidance it offers are unparalleled, and it's always there for us to turn to.

• Here are some practical ways to get started:

Daily Devotionals: Set aside a few minutes each day to read and reflect on a passage from the Bible.

Join a Bible Study Group: Engage with others in studying the Bible. It’s a great way to gain new insights and grow together in faith.

Set Aside Time for Scripture Reading: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading the Bible, whether it's in the morning, during lunch, or before bed. Consistency is key.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Help us to remember that no matter what we face in life, "It's in there" – Your wisdom, comfort, and guidance are always available to us in the Bible.

Lord, I pray for each person here today. Renew our desire and commitment to seek Your Word in all aspects of our lives. Give us the discipline to make reading and studying the Bible a regular habit.

May Your Holy Spirit guide us and illuminate the scriptures as we read them, helping us to understand and apply Your teachings in our daily lives.

We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.

By turning to the Bible regularly, we can ensure that we are always equipped with the wisdom, comfort, and guidance we need for every situation. Remember, "It's in there."

Pray for a renewed desire and commitment to seek God's Word in all aspects of your life.

Remember:

No matter what we face in life – good or bad – the Bible has the answers and guidance we need. "It's in there."