Read the Bible…WHY?!?!

I always start off the year trying to set goals (new year’s resolutions essentially) for myself, and one of my personal goals for this year has been to read the bible. Now, I know this sounds like the good little christian girl thing to do but let’s get real, it is probably one of the most important things a person can do. But why is it important…

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:5 NIV

There are many ways that God can share his wisdom with us, but for the most part his wisdom can be found just by cracking open the bible and reading it, you really don’t even have to read a lot, I mean you can probably search for what you need in google and generate a verse that will give you what you are looking for. But what makes reading the bible so difficult? And why do people appose doing something that in the long run will bring them closer to God?

I think most of us try to blame it on getting caught up in being too busy, but let’s get real, we make time to read novels and watch movies, etc., so that can’t be the reason. For some reason we don’t want to…it can be boring, we don’t know where to begin, and if we were really telling the truth we don’t want to know what we need to fix in our lives to be closer to God, to be closer to living a life that may be different than those around us. I mean I think if we were really honest, we don’t want to make any changes in our core makeup…it seems like a lot of work. Sure we can pick and choose inspirational verses that encourage us and help us have a better attitude throughout the day, we may even find a pretty picture of one on Pinterest and hang it on our desk or mirror, but digging deep and seeking that wisdom that is so readily available to us is hard. So what do we do??? Read it anyway! Don’t be afraid of what changes you may need to make, because not all of the bible is about your self improvement. I think self improvement is a natural occurrence when you start to read your bible because you are receiving so much of what God wants to tell you but it is not his ultimate purpose. It is his main form of communication with us, it is his way to share his love, wisdom, guidance, passion…his way of communicating himself to us.

When you read the word you will gain insight not only about yourself but about those around you, your future, the future of the world. You will be encouraged and fulfilled. You will be a better person all around and most importantly you will be in direct communication with God and you will know more about him and his purpose.

Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Psalms 119:105

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.

Proverbs 3:1-2

Do not think of reading the bible as a chore, think of it as a workout for your mind and heart, or if you are not a person that is dedicated to working out, pick something else you are committed to doing and fit reading the bible right in with that. It may seem pointless in the beginning, but once you get your routine started and really start allowing what you are reading to sink in, you will reap the benefits of taking the time out of your day to honor and communicate with the heart of God.