This morning as I opened the Bible app on my phone and went to my daily reading plan, (Life Journal Reading Plan), the overwhelming sense of thankfulness and love for God’s word came over me! At the beginning of the year I wrote about our need for a revival of God’s word. There truly is nothing like the Bible, so I thought I’d share several of the reasons why I love God’s Word.
1. I love how it helps me rise above the storm
Being able to have peace and grace in the middle of a storm is a hallmark of Christianity. When we read and know God’s word it gives us a bigger picture perspective on life and specifically life’s storms; just like how the apostle Paul stays calm in the middle of a shipwreck. If you find yourself on a constant emotional roller coaster than you may focused on the storm rather than Jesus.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
2. I love how it exposes my flaws but with Grace
At first this can be scary to allow God’s word to confront our sin and expose our weaknesses. But once you begin to engage God’s word and allow it access into your life, you realize that God and his word begin to do the most loving surgery. One of the most beautiful things about God is that he knows us fully – flaws and all – and still fully loves us.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12
3. I love how it transforms me
The great thing about God is that he loves us right where we are, but through his word he doesn’t leave us where we are. Anyone who consistently encounters God’s word can stay the same. If you have areas of your life that are messed up, broken or off track, welcome to the club! ha! We all do, but when we daily expose our lives to God’s word it changes us little by little.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2
4. I love how it reminds me of what matters
With so many voices and cultural influences trying to tell us what matters or trying to pull our attention off course, the Bible just clearly and simply calls us back to the essentials. Too many of us are distracted and ineffective because we have lost sight of what matters. On this topic it’s hard for me to find just one verse, but let me highlight what Jesus said when ask about what the most important things are.
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[c] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[d] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37-40
5. I love how it reminds me that I matter
In a world that often reminds us that we don’t matter or causes us to question our value, the Bible absolutely speaks loud and clear of the immense value that you and I have to God, so much so that ultimately Jesus came and died on the cross for us to bring us back into relationship with Him. King David, one of my favorite Bible heroes, once said, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, the son of man, that you take notice.” I don’t know about you but I can often question or wonder about this, but God is constantly focused on and thinking about you. If you ever want to be reminded how much God loves you read the three parables that Jesus tells in Luke 15. You matter to God!
The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. – Jeremiah 31:3