Reading is a very important part of life. When driving, you must be able to read signals and road signs. But, if you’re doing a math test, you must know how to read certain equations and symbols. It is almost inevitable for you to read at some point of the day. That’s the way we communicate to each other. And there is this one book which I believe is tremendously helpful if not momentous to enjoying a mentally healthy lifestyle. So continue reading to see the benefits of reading the Word of God.
Is It That Important?
I propose that reading the Word of God is essential to addressing the needs of all of the aspects of your life. Now, I can only imagine the sheer number of people who might disagree with such a bold proposition.
And even you may be asking, “Is the Bible really necessary to satisfying all the needs of one’s soul?”
Before I respond to that question in this subsection of the post, I must first tell you that I understand the sincerity of such a response. And it indeed does seem a bit arrogant to claim such importance for one religious book. So, I understand where you’re coming from.
However, we are not talking about just a religious book. We’re talking about a book that claims to originate from the very inspiration of the living God!
2 Timothy 3:16 King James Version (KJV)
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
And if it’s right, then according to what it says, God has given it quite a lot of power!
Hebrews 4:12 King James Version (KJV)
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Furthermore, the Word of God has a bunch of testimonies to back it up. There’s been countless people I’ve known who have been positively changed from what they read in the Bible. Just a few examples of people impacted by the Word of God include Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr, William Wilberforce, along with more.
And I believe the reason for that change, is the constant hinting or describing of the good news of Jesus Christ.
What It’s All About!
Moreover, the Word of God gives us a closer look at the heart of God. And I don’t know anything better for one’s mental health than knowing the heart of God! The heart of God changes you, informs you, overwhelms you, and interestingly, redefines your perspective.
Reading the Word of God teaches you that the living God is interested in you. And reading the Word of God shows Him that you’re interested in communicating with Him. It shows that you value Him and that you care about what He says. Certainly, God will not ignore your sincerity and He will reward you for seeking Him if you do seek Him.
Matthew 7:7-8 King James Version (KJV)
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
When you read His Word, you will find some sort of reference to the history-altering event of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Even before Jesus Christ died on the cross to save you and me as I talk about here in this post, there were references to the blood of the innocent lamb shed for the people’s protection during the Biblical Exodus, prophecies in the Book of Isaiah, and more.
John 8:58 World English Bible (WEB)
58 Jesus said to them, “Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM. Exodus 3:14”
And the message of the Bible is to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. If you accept this message, I guarantee you that your will not be disappointed. As when you accept Him and His atoning sacrifice, you allow Him to carry your burdens, you allow Him to save you from everything that endangers you. You allow Him to give you mental peace, physical health, and a prosperous destiny.
1 Corinthians 2:2 King James Version (KJV)
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
Reading the Word of God in Enjoyment
If you’re just starting to read the Bible, I would strongly advise you to start with the New Testament. This is because reading the Old Testament of the Bible requires a knowledge of the New Testament since it is sometimes hard to spiritually discern what God is saying if you do not fully understand His grace.
1 Corinthians 2:14 King James Version (KJV)
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Another thing to remember when reading the Bible, is to let go of pride. Reading the Word of God relies on one’s dependence on Holy Spirit to teach you. It is a time when you humble yourself before Him and seek Him as a child would seek his or her father.
Matthew 18:2-4 World English Bible (WEB)
2 Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the middle of them 3 and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Even more, it is essential to read the Bible with enjoyment. Make the process enjoyable. When you read the Bible, you could use highlighters or write notes as you study it. Or you could type your notes into a notepad app as I do. Look for ways to have fun while reading the Bible whether aloud or silently. This will help to reinforce your reading of the Bible as an enjoyable habit.
And finally, set some time to read the Word of God. If you must, wake up 10 minutes earlier than you usually do, so you can read God’s Word.
In conclusion, make it a priority to read the Word of God. It will be a blessing to you and the pages you read will be a series of stairs that lead you closer to His glorious heart!