Jude AgbayaniThere are a lot of helpful reasons why we need to read the Bible daily. Bible reading is not to accumulate biblical facts and trivia alone. God’s word or Scripture is rich in biblical truths and principles that we can use in our lives daily.
Busyness is the top reason why many of us don’t read the Bible at all. Aside from not having time, people say that the Bible is either too complicated or too boring to read. Before you jump in and add more, let me give you five powerful reasons why you should read the Bible every day.
1. The Bible Refreshes the Soul
Among the many reasons to read the Bible daily, how it refreshes my soul tops it all. One of the verses that best describes the Bible’s impact on our souls is found in Psalm 19:7 which says, “The law of the Lord is perfect (flawless), restoring and refreshing the soul; The statutes of the Lord are reliable and trustworthy, making wise the simple.”
The words “law” and “statutes” both refer to the Word of God. The Bible is not limited to laws or commandments that we should follow. God’s words offer encouragement to our weary soul too. Time and again, the Bible has reminded me of the goodness of the Lord in spite of negative circumstances in my life.
Early in my Christian walk, reading the Bible was the last thing I do when I’m anxious. My default was to seek counsel from a godly friend. However, this dear friend gently reminded me that I needed to consult God’s word first and pray. Now, the Bible has become my default, especially during desperate times. I crave his word to sustain me and uplift my spirit.
Even though I have been reading the Bible for years, I still need help looking for books, chapters, and verses. I purchased Bible tabs which helped me navigate through the Bible. They serve as a guide as I flipped through the pages of both the Old and New Testament. If you want to have your own Bible tab stickers, check out Certified Positive
2. The Bible Gives Life Instructions
There is a witty acrostic of the word B.I.B.L.E which says Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Makes sense, right?
All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the ]man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Applying biblical principles in our life affects us and the people in our circle of influence. The truths in the Bible have an everlasting effect on us. People may cringe at the idea of referring to the Bible for life principles, but where else can we go and who else can we trust? The truths revealed in God’s word are applicable today because it was God who breathed life into each written word. Receiving life instructions is one of the many reasons I read the Bible daily.
The Bible has not only taught me how to live my life but also how to treat my neighbor. “Should I forgive this person who has caused me so much pain?” The Bible says we are to forgive. “How do I discipline my children?” The Bible teaches me to train them up in the way they should go and when they are old, they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). If we realized that we have sinned against the Lord, the Bible encourages us in 1 John 1:9 which says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
3. The Bible Connects Us With God
The third of the many reasons I read the bible daily is to know who God is. When I was a student, I used to think that God was this old grumpy, white-bearded fellow, who sits on his throne all day, counting people’s mistakes. I saw him as someone who was difficult to please and I needed to do something good to receive brownie points.
When I got to hear about God and the Bible, my perception of God changed. The Lord opened my heart and revealed to me who he is really is. He is a personal God. The Creator of the world is not a distant God but cares deeply for me. He is an intimate God who knows me so well, even the number of gray hairs on my head. “For You formed my innermost parts; You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13
Also, nothing in this world and beyond is unknown to him. He knows what’s happening even in the farthest galaxy. Nothing in creation is hidden from God’s sight. (Hebrews 4:13). He knows our thoughts too. (Psalms 139:2)
Because He knows us so well, He knows what is good for us. He has a plan for us individually, as a family, as a church, and as a nation. Like a parent who loves his children, God will only give us what will be good for us. When we understand this truth, we can begin to accept why the Lord does not always give us what we want. He knows that we want will only harm us or He has something better in store for us.
4. The Bible Reveals Jesus
In the New Testament, we see God as the man, Jesus Christ. The son of God is a reflection of who God is. Jesus’ authority and position are described in Hebrews 1:3, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.“
Jesus is God in the flesh. He even says that if we see him we have seen the Father. He became one of us so he can relate to us and show us how to live. When Jesus walked the earth, he lived like us yet he did not sin. He focused on reaching out to people, healing their spiritual blindness and physical sickness, providing food, weeping with them, and teaching them that He is the way to the Father. (John 14:6)
Jesus chose to become a man so that he can sacrifice his earthly body for us. He did this to show God’s love for you and me. If Jesus didn’t sacrifice himself, we have no eternal security. He is the only acceptable mediator between a Holy God and man. His death paved the way for us to go to the Father.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his son to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17
5. The Bible Transforms Us
After reading the first four reasons I included here, the big question now is, “So what?” So what if the Bible restores my soul? Or if I get to know who God or Jesus is? And maybe get some life tips? So what?
If we seriously commit to reading, studying, and meditating on God’s word at least five days a week, then it will have a huge impact on your life. If we allow what we read to change our perspective on life and God, it will never truly change us. We are just gathering information. There is no real transformation. Only God can change the heart.
I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. 20 Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God. Ezekiel 11:19-20
The Bible is not just that great book of historical facts or inspiring messages, the Bible is alive! God promises to breathe new life to those who will not only read or study it but who will meditate on it and keep it in their hearts. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
6. The Bible Tells Us God’s Story
The Bible is not a fictional story of God and his people. It is a story of God’s love, forgiveness, mercy, and redemption. With God, there is always a big picture. God used flawed men, women, and even animals to draw one point: He is God and He loves you and me.
We see God’s hand from the creation of the world to the return of Jesus Christ to redeem those who believe in Him. The story of God starts and ends with Him.
The truth is, you and I will never attempt to open the Bible or even read it if we think it is not important to us. People often say they have no time but in actuality, they wouldn’t bother because the Bible is not relevant in their lives.
But I do hope that the Lord has spoken to you today about getting to know him through the Bible. It’s never too late to start reading the Bible. Game?
