Read The Word

In heaven God instructed Ian, ‘Read my Bible.’ Ian countered that he did not have a Bible. In fact he’d never read one before. ‘Get one from your father,’ was God’s reply. The moment Ian could, he started to devour the Bible – reading it from cover to cover in six weeks. What a life-changing adventure into reality those six weeks were – introducing him to the One who’d just brought him back from the dead.

Read Psalm 119:9-21, 103-105.

God didn’t write the Bible. But He did inspire its 40 writers, including a poet, a king, a shepherd, a doctor, a tax collector and a fisherman, who wrote different books over 1600 years. The Old Testament (39 books) was written before Jesus. The New Testament (27 books) was written after He came. God made sure they wrote what He wanted them to and that it contains the truth of who God is, what He’s done and is still doing, and how to have a relationship with Him.

The historical world of the Bible has changed, but its message remains as true and relevant today as it ever did. Why get into the Bible? It keeps us pure (v9) and sin-free (v11). It brings us joy (v14) and wonder (v18). It nourishes our souls, like honey feeds our bodies (v103). It guides us in decision-making, like a path leads us when we’re lost (v105). It gives us understanding (v104).

How do we get into the Bible? Obey it (v9). Memorize parts of it (v11). Speak it aloud to yourself and others (v13). Treasure it (v14). Think about it often until it becomes part of you (v15). Don’t neglect it (v16). Ask God to open your eyes as you read and hear it (v18). Long for it (v20). Be humble, not arrogant, as you receive it (v21). Find pleasure in it (v103). It’s not enough to get into God’s word and be informed. God’s word needs to get into you until you’re transformed! Every time you read or hear it, ask God to speak to you through it.

Is it possible to overcome darkness in your life without a regular intake of Scripture (v9- 11)? Which of the above-listed benefits of Bible reading do you long for most?