The beginning of this year I felt the desire to read through my Bible again. I’ve read through six times before, and putting God’s Word in my heart changes my life. On a whim, I asked if anyone on Facebook would like to join me—200+ women did!
Reading through the Bible is the same as providing water, soil, and sunlight to a new plant. It’s what’s needed for God’s children to grow!
Growing up in Sunday school I knew a lot of Bible stories. I knew about David and Goliath, Noah’s Ark, and the miracles of Jesus. Sunday-school lessons are often laid about by theme, which is great for building morals.
But . . . what I didn’t understand was how the pieces fit together. I didn’t understand how Adam’s story connected with David’s story and how they both connected with Jesus’ story.
Are you considering reading through the Bible? Start today! You don’t have to wait until the new year. You can start any day, any time.
And if you do, here are five benefits.
1.) When you read and know the Bible, God’s Holy Spirit can remind you of specific messages or stories that relate to your personal concerns.
2.) When you read and know the Bible, God’s Holy Spirit can teach you Bible people’s choices—both wise and unwise. And you can make better decisions for yourself.
3.) When you read and know the Bible, God’s Holy Spirit will guide you to Bible promises when you most need direction.
4.) When you read and know the Bible, God’s Holy Spirit will fill you with God’s peace. The worries of this world are pushed to the back burner.
5.) When you read and know the Bible, God’s Holy Spirit will convict you of God’s mandates. You learn how to discern truth versus lies. You discover what’s right and what’s wrong. The pride you have in your own efforts diminishes and you look to God. Your sin stands out, and you turn to Him.
I’m a different person, who makes different choices, when I read God’s complete Word.
So what’s the problem?
Problem: The more time I spend in God’s Word the more I NEED it. I don’t function well without it. When I don’t have time to read and meditate on God’s truths, my soul feels weary and hungry. AND this hunger problem leads to one cranky, overwhelmed wife and mom.
More than once I’ve been on the brink, and I’ve told my husband, “I just need fifteen minutes to read and pray.” And it works.
God’s Word is addicting. My soul craves it on busy, harried days. I need His word to be reminded, taught, guided, filled, and convicted. Without it, my own desires, demands, and decisions lead me astray.
Thankfully even when I’ve feel soul empty, there is an easy fix. I open up God’s Word and read. As I do, my problems aren’t solved overnight, but I’m change . . . and from there God is able to do His work on all that’s around me, too.
Were you inspired by the benefits of reading your Bible daily like Tricia? Find more encouraging words by Tricia in The One Thing God Asks
Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of six, grandmother of one, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A USA Today bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com.
Click here to learn more about the gifted author Tricia Goyer
Leave a Reply