If you have been around Christians for any amount of time, you have heard this claim: Christians need to read their Bibles often. Of course, none of us would disagree with this statement verbally, but sometimes our actions show otherwise. Perhaps this comes down to a difference in our mindset. While intellectually we know spending time in God’s word is important, sometimes it is harder to feel the effects of reading the Bible. Maybe we are not seeing immediate results, which often leads to discouragement. Maybe we are reading through sections of the Bible that are difficult to understand, leading to frustration or exhaustion. For some, there are days when it feels like a chore, leading to a weakened desire to read consistently.
In Psalm 19, the Psalmist (probably David) expresses a deep desire for God’s word. In verses 7-9, he acknowledges that God’s will is perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true, and righteous. It “enlightens the eyes” and “makes wise the simple.” As a result, God’s word was precious and valuable to the Psalmist; something that he truly longed for. The Psalmist notes two important things regarding God’s word, a negative and a positive: “Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward,” (v 11). God’s word warns us of the danger of sin and inevitable death as a result, while also pointing the way to our eternal reward. Both are very motivating aspects for us to pursue God’s word.
How do we develop this kind of desire for God’s word? Is reading an ancient book truly going to change my life dramatically? What if I don’t see the effects of God’s word in my life? Often, the way to start this journey is as simple as choosing God’s word. To truly see the effects of God’s Spirit in our lives as we read, we must decide to read and study consistently. Getting weighed down by accounts of confusing visions, chapters of genealogies, and heavy doctrine happens, and that is okay. The more we read God’s word, the more understanding we will gain. The more understanding we gain, the more beautiful God’s word becomes to us.
We are not supposed to memorize every sermon we hear, every Bible class we are a part of, or every verse we read. If I think back a year, I have no clue which sermon I heard or where I was reading in the Bible at that time, even though I wish I did! Similarly, I also don’t remember what I ate for lunch three years ago! Even still, I can be sure that the food sustained me, grew me, and kept me healthy and strong. In the same way, our relationship with God is full of constant growth. While we may not remember what we studied years, months, or even weeks ago, we know God is working in His time. As we genuinely fill ourselves with God’s word, we can be sure that God is sustaining us, growing us, and keeping us spiritually healthy and strong.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work,” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). There have certainly been times when I have forgotten what God’s word actually can do in my life. The Bible isn’t just a rulebook to memorize as a part of a Christian checklist, but it is a core part of our relationship with God. It’s communication with Yahweh. It’s a teacher, showing us who God is and how we can be like Him. If we see God’s word merely as a book of rules to follow, then our perspective towards God’s word is lacking. It is the secret to life that truly changes us. Perhaps we can underestimate the power of God’s word alone and the changes it can make to our lives. It teaches, trains, and equips us for kingdom work. This starts with the decision to learn it. Reading is important, and it sure does make a difference in our lives. God’s word is a key part of our relationship with Him. As that relationship grows, the Spirit will change us to be more like Jesus every day.
—Joshua Brown