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Joy is Found in Knowing God

I wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed—at least not when it came to school. It wasn’t that I didn’t care that Elizabeth I became queen of England in 1558 (although I did have an issue with the size of her collar in proportion to her head) or that Mount Everest is 29,032 feet high—I just couldn’t bring myself to focus. I was the kind of student who would be sitting in class, nodding along, while my mind was off somewhere else—thinking about the weekend, wondering what my friends were up to, and if any of my collars gave off the same vibe. I heard the teacher’s voice, but the words just didn’t land.

Reading wasn’t much better. I could get five pages into a book and realize I had no idea what I’d just read. I’d have to flip back and start all over again. Sometimes twice.

But something changed when I picked up a good study Bible. Those little notes at the bottom of the page? Game changer. They slowed me down. Helped me pause and pay attention. They walked me through the text in a way I could finally understand. And for the first time, reading the Bible didn’t feel like a chore—it felt like a conversation.

And that’s what we see in Nehemiah chapter 8. God’s people weren’t fidgeting in the pews through a long, drawn-out sermon. They were engaged. The Book of the Law was opened for them, and as Ezra read, the Levites helped explain it—clearly and carefully—so the people could actually understand what was being read.

“They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.” — Nehemiah 8:8 NIV

This wasn’t about getting through a checklist or surviving a long reading session. This was about connection. Clarity. Comprehension. And it changed everything.

The people were moved to tears—why? Not because the teaching was harsh, but because the truth hit home. As they began to understand God’s Word, they also began to understand themselves—and that kind of clarity can be overwhelming. It uncovered areas of disobedience. It exposed sin. It revealed just how far they had wandered from God’s commands.

But here’s the beauty: their sorrow wasn’t the end of the story.

Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites told them something that might seem surprising in that moment of conviction:

“This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
— Nehemiah 8:10 NIV

The weeping showed their hearts were soft, but God didn’t leave them there. Conviction opened the door to grace—and grace led to joy.

Reading the Bible without understanding can be like hearing someone speak to you in a language you barely know. But I promise you, the more that you study, the more exciting it gets. God’s Word was never meant to be confusing or distant. He wants to be known.

But, here’s the thing:

Joy doesn’t come from simply knowing about God—it comes from truly knowing Him. And that kind of relationship starts by digging into His Word, because the more we do, the more we understand His heart—and that’s where joy is found.

So, how do we get to that place of understanding? Here are a few ideas that might help:

Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t get it.”
The Holy Spirit is our teacher—and He’s patient. You don’t have to have it all figured out. God just wants your heart and your willingness to keep coming back. Pray and ask Him to reveal His Word to you.
Ask yourself questions as you read.
What is this showing me about God? What command is here? What promise? What does this mean for my life today? Simple questions like these can open the door to deeper understanding.
Slow down.
You don’t have to read a whole chapter at once. Sometimes just a few verses are enough for the Spirit to start working in your heart.
Use a good study Bible.
The notes, cross-references, and explanations can help bring clarity to difficult passages. (The NIV Study Bible is a great place to start.)
Use a trustworthy commentary.
When you’re stuck on a passage, online resources like Enduring Word by David Guzik or the Concise Matthew Henry Commentary can help you better understand the meaning and context.
Connect with other women.
Join our Facebook group, where you can ask questions, share insights, and encourage one another in the Word. It’s a beautiful place to grow together.
Do a Bible Study.
Set aside time to walk through Scripture in a focused way—on your own or with others. If you’re looking for a place to start, you can subscribe to Time-Warp Wife and receive easy-to-understand Bible studies in our members only section.

So don’t give up when you feel stuck. Don’t skim through the Bible just to say you’ve read it. Ask God for clarity. Sit with the text. Let it speak.

Because when God’s Word finally lands—not just in your ears, but in your heart—it brings joy.

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”
— Psalm 119:130 NIV