Christianity H.E.A.R. Method Spiritual Growth

Learning the “E” Together: Why Context Helps Take Us Out of It

Friday, January 9

If you are new to the H.E.A.R. Journal, you are in good company.

We just started this together last week, and like anything new, there is a learning curve. Some days it will feel natural. Other days, it may feel slow or unfamiliar. That does not mean you are doing it wrong. It means you are learning. This week, I want to spend a little more time on the E in H.E.A.R.

Explain.

Not because we need to master it quickly, but because this step shapes everything that follows.

Scripture Is Not Always About Us

One of the most important things we are learning early on is this: The Bible is not always about us—but it is always for us. That distinction matters. When we approach Scripture assuming every verse is directly about our situation, our emotions, or our season, we can unintentionally place ourselves at the center of the text. The Explain step helps us gently take us out of it first. That does not mean Scripture does not apply to our lives. It absolutely does. But when we understand what a passage meant then, we are able to see how it truly applies now—often in deeper, more meaningful ways than we expected.

What the “Explain” Step Really Does

The Explain portion of the H.E.A.R. Journal helps us ask:

What is actually happening here?
Who is being addressed?
What problem, situation, or question prompted these words?
What is God revealing about Himself in this moment?

This step slows us down enough to say, “Before I ask what this means for me, I want to understand what God was saying.” And that shift is powerful!

A Common Example of a Verse Taken Out of Context

One verse that is often quoted without context is Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the plans I have for you—this is the Lord’s declaration—plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

This verse is beautiful. It is hopeful. And it does reflect God’s character. But when we read it without context, we often apply it to personal success, open doors, or immediate relief. Here is the context we miss:

These words were spoken to Israelites living in exile
They had been removed from their homes
God had just told them they would be there for 70 years
This promise was not about instant rescue, but long-term faithfulness

Understanding that does not make the verse less encouraging—it makes it more honest. God was not promising ease. He was promising presence, purpose, and hope even in waiting. That is what context does. It does not take away application—it clarifies it.

Explain Helps Us Read With Humility

When we take ourselves out of the center of the text, something important happens: we begin to read Scripture with humility instead of urgency. We stop asking:

“How does this fit my life right now?”

And start asking:

“What is God showing me about His heart?”
“What does obedience look like in light of this truth?”

From there, application becomes less about pressure and more about alignment.

Tools That Can Help Us Learn (Together)

As we grow in this, tools can help us better understand context. These are not shortcuts or requirements, but they can be helpful companions. One widely used, free resource is Blue Letter Bible. It allows you to:

Compare Bible translations
Look at the original Hebrew and Greek word meanings
View cross-references
Access basic historical and cultural notes

Another helpful free tool is STEPBible.org, which is especially useful if you want to see how words and ideas connect across a passage. It helps with:

Understanding sentence structure and flow
Seeing how original words are used throughout Scripture
Exploring themes without needing advanced study knowledge

Other helpful resources/tips you may want to explore:

Bible Project videos (great for big-picture context of books and themes)
Study Bible introductions (to understand background before reading can be found at the beginning of each book of the Bible or if you don’t have a study Bible, use Blue Letter Bible)
Reading full chapters instead of isolated verses
Asking simple questions like “What comes before this?” and “What comes after?”

A gentle reminder: read the passage first. Sit with it. Pray over it. Then use resources to deepen understanding—not replace the Spirit’s work.

Give Yourself Grace in the Learning

If this feels slower than you are used to, that is okay. If you are unsure what to write in the Explain section, that is okay. If your journal feels messy right now, that is okay. We are learning a new rhythm together. The goal of the H.E.A.R. Journal is not to make us experts—it is to make us attentive. To help us listen more carefully. To let God’s Word shape us instead of simply supporting us. So this week, as you open your journal, remember: It is not always about you. But it is always for you. And when we let Scripture speak in its full context, it speaks with more clarity, depth, and truth than we could ever force on our own. We are learning this together, and God is faithful in the process.