5 reasons you should read the Bible

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received was to read my Bible everyday. Even if it was only a Psalm or Proverb, picking up God’s Word each day is just as important as eating. In fact, the Bible is food for the spirit. Without it, our spirits will starve. Just as you wouldn’t go driving off across the country without your GPS (or map if you’re old-school), neither should you start each day without first feeding from the Bible. The Bible is a compass for our spirits and nourishment for our souls.

2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” You may think the Bible’s not for you, or it’s not relevant for where you’re at in life or what you’re going through. On the contrary! More than any self-help book or how-to guide, the Bible is factually, historically, and scientifically correct and without error. If you’re wondering what the Bible could possibly do to help you, check this out:

1. The Bible provides practical answers to life’s questions. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, Who gives to all men liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) Where do I turn when my heart is broken? Check out Psalm 34:18. What should I do when someone has hurt me? Read Matthew 6:14-15. Why does it seem like nothing I do is ever good enough? See Galatians 6:9. Where can I go to get help for my marriage? Head on over to Ephesians 5:22-33. What should I do when I’m worried? Read Philippians 4:6. I could go on. God’s Word is the place where you’ll find all the answers that you need.
2. The Bible provides strength and encouragement. “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.” (Isaiah 40:29) Strength is mentioned more than 360 times throughout the Bible. King David relied on God’s Word for strength throughout his life, and even said as much in Psalm 119:28: “My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.” If you’re looking for strength and encouragement, the Bible is filled with amazing truths that will strengthen and encourage you. A great place to start is in the book of Psalms or Proverbs.
3. The Bible provides proper perspective, clarity, and focus. “The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130) In some versions the word entrance is defined as unfolding; when you take the time to unfold and open God’s Word, He’ll provide you with proper clarity and focus. Reading the Bible is a great way to reflect, and the Bible provides you with the proper focus. Getting into God’s Word as the start to your day will put your mind in the right place to face the issues of the day; getting into God’s Word before you go to bed at night will clear your mind and help you sleep.
4. The Bible provides instruction and correction. “Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD, and teach out of Your law, that You may give him rest from the days of adversity.” (Psalm 94:12) If you’re looking for a guide for your moral compass, the Bible is it. God’s Word provides instruction and guidelines on every topic, from child-rearing and best business practices to managing your finances and maintaining healthy relationships. The Bible also provides correction – be prepared when you read the Bible that it’s not for the faint of heart (see Proverbs 15:32). The Bible tells the truth, and calls wrong wrong and right right.
5. The Bible provides the truth. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:1-5) There is no other “holy” book out there that contains the scientifically or historically accurate facts that the Bible does. Don’t believe it? Look at the scientific calculations in the Bible, review the detailed prophecies shared in the Bible, and check the historical accounts that the Bible details. All the details are accurate. The Bible is truth.

In essence, the Bible is God’s love letter to you and I. It shares of this world being created, how you and I came to be, and how God sent His only Son to die on the cross to save you and I from our sins. Whether you like it or not, you and I are the clay; He is the potter (Isaiah 64:8). When you take the time to get into God’s Word, He’ll speak to you through it. Don’t take my word for it; read the Bible for yourself! “For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Originally published as “5 reasons you should read the Bible.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. March 23, 2017: 8. Print.