Why I Read The Bible and Want You to Read It Too

We’re in a strange season, aren’t we?  Everything seems turned upside down.  Routines are out the window.  “Normal” is a memory.  We can feel isolated and alone, yet at times busier than ever.  Relationships are being redefined or strained, including our relationship to God.  If you are struggling to get back on track (or maybe get on track for the first time) regarding your relationship with God, the first place to begin is by reading His Word.  Here are some reasons why I read the Bible and I pray they will encourage you to read it too.

The Bible is True

For many years I thought of the Bible stories as being just that – stories.  Stories, somehow occurring in a kind of biblical bubble, completely independent from the flow of real history.  Then I discovered a timeline that put the Bible into the context of historical reality.  For example, did you know that in 700 BC when Jerusalem was invaded by Assyria (1Kings 18), false teeth were invented in Italy?  Or when Zechariah encouraged the Jews to rebuild the temple in 516 BC, public libraries were opening in Athens?  Or that about the same time Jesus’ mother Mary was born, Sumo wrestling was beginning in Japan?  Yes, the Bible has historical context.

Furthermore, archeological discoveries have documented many of the places and events in the Bible.  Sarah and Abraham’s hometown, Ur of the Chaldeans, has been thoroughly documented.  In 1961, inscriptions on what is now called the Pilate Stone authenticate the role of Pilate at the time of Jesus.

The Bible is true, it’s real; it’s worth my time to read it.  But this really isn’t reason enough to motivate you to read the Bible.  Let me give you another reason.

The Bible is Life-Changing

Here’s a personal example of how the Bible was life-changing for me.  For several years our family lived in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  During the month of July the schools were out and Brazilians customarily went to the beach, if possible, and ex-patriots like our family returned to their home countries.  Sao Paulo is a huge city, but felt nearly deserted in July.  One year my husband had to travel to the U.S. for a two-week series of meetings in the month of July and for various reasons the children and I were not able to accompany him.

So there I was in Brazil in July – cold (it was winter there) and lonely (all of our friends were out-of-town.)  With school out and friends gone, my little boys were restless and I found myself impatient with them and having a real good pity party for myself.

One morning, as was my custom, I picked up my Bible to read my daily devotion and found myself in the book of Habakkuk.  Here’s what I read: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.  The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.” - Habakkuk 3:17-19

It was as if God were saying to me, “Linda, if you don’t get to go home, if you’re cold and miserable in a foreign land, if the kids are driving you crazy and your husband gets all the fun……will you rejoice in ME?  Will you be joyful in ME?  If you will, I will lift you up.  I’ll strengthen you.  I’ll make you light as a deer so you can go to the high places.”

I decided to give it a try – and began that very morning to rejoice in HIM.  I forced myself to be joyful in God.  And the strangest thing happened – my heart started to change.  I was able to relax and enjoy my kids.  They were more content and He did, indeed, lighten my heart and lift my spirits.  By the time my husband returned, the kids and I had had a wonderful time and I wondered why I’d wasted all those days being so grumpy.

Yes, reading and applying the Bible can change your heart.  That’s a good reason to read the Bible, isn’t it?  But here’s an even better reason.

The Bible is God’s Word

Did you know that the Creator of the universe wants to speak to you?  He does, and He will, through the pages of his Word.

Our God is a God of words.  He always has been and always will be.  God created the universe by speaking words.  Every stage of Creation in Genesis 1 is introduced with the words, “And God said….”  God spoke into existence light and waters and the heavens!  The creative and powerful Word of God – God spoke and it was so.

God spoke directly to Adam and Eve.  Later, He sent his prophets to speak to the people.  He gave words to the prophets.  And then at the appointed time, God’s time, He sent his Word to this earth – Jesus Christ.  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us….” (John 1:14).

Yes, Jesus Christ is God, Himself, communicating with his creatures.  

And today?  Today we have the written Word of God, the Bible.  The Bible gives wisdom when you don’t know what to do.  It furnishes light when you’re in the dark.  It penetrates your heart and can change your thoughts and attitudes.

The Creator of the universe wants to speak to you!  His Word is true.  His Word is life-changing.  His Word is personal.

Let’s get back on track with God.  Please join me in reading the Bible!