3 Reasons You Should Read Your Bible Every Day

-By Miriam Hamstra

           One topic that is stressed in the Christian life, maybe even to the point of cliché, is the subject of a daily devotional life. Why is that so? Well, I believe that we won’t be able to answer this question until we know three things. First, the power of God’s Word. Second, what the Bible says about reading the Word. And finally, the reason consistency in the Word matters. 

1. God’s Word is powerful

          Looking at Hebrews 4:12 we see the very power of God’s Word. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and can discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Some translations say “living and active”. When we read the Word, it pierces our soul and spirit. It is the Word that changes us.           

          The Word of God is not just words on a page, but the very words of God! When we read and study it, it is just as if God were speaking to us.  People who think that God doesn’t speak to His people as He did in the Old Testament have missed the very power of the Word. The Word tells of the high glory of God. It is from God, and it speaks to us.

2. The Bible commands it

          There are several reasons why God gave us His Word. We will look at three of them.

God gave us His Word to equip us. 

          “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16)  

God also gave us His Word that we may know Jesus Christ. 

          The Word of God contains the gospel and the entire Word is an revealing of His redemption plan. “Then He [Jesus] said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:46,47)  People come to faith in Christ by the power of the Word being preached. 

Finally, God also gave us His Word as a weapon against sin.  

          When Satan hears the Word of God, he runs and flees from it. I have found this to be true in my own life. When I refute the lies that tempt me with God’s Word, I can avoid sin. “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) This is a lesson that I have grasped recently. My godly mentor taught me the importance of using God’s Word as a weapon against sin. She has taught me what it means to take up the Sword of the Spirit.

3. Consistency in reading the Word every day matters

          What does the Bible say about meditating and studying God’s Word?  The psalmist says in Psalm 119:23, 24 “Princes also sit and speak against me, but Your servant meditates on Your statutes. Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.”

          We see here that we are to delight in the Word. In Psalm 19 it says, “The commandment of the Lord is sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” This Word encourages and fills us. It guides us in our lives and is a lamp to our path. Those who meditate on it will gain wisdom and grow in their faith. 

          The Word is one of the means by which we grow in our faith.  Psalm 1 is a great picture of the person who delights in the Word of God. Verses 2 and 3 say, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Trees that are nourished grow to be big and strong. It is important for us as women to be planted strong in the faith. More than anything in our culture today women need to be planted in the truth. We need to be like a strong trees that are not moved when new ideas contrary to God’s Word come along. 

          I think with all that we see here, we know why consistency matters. In order to grow in our faith we need to be consistently rooted in the Word. As a piano player I know what dedicated practice means. If I want to learn a song, I need to practice consistently! If my practicing was hit or miss, a day here and a day there, I would never accomplish my goal of playing beautiful music. Our endeavor to become women of God is the same. We need to be dedicated to the  study of God’s Word. You will see that the more you soak yourself in God’s Word and pour over it, the more you will want to be in it. 

          This is a lesson that I have learned just recently, and I can tell you that it is a valuable lesson to learn. Ask God to reveal Himself and teach you from His Word. He is faithful and dedication to His Word will bring fruit.  I love this verse in Psalm 119:165 that says, “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” When the storms of life come, and the hurts and hardships are many, those who love God’s Word have the peace of God with them. Nothing, even the deepest pains and wounds, can make them stumble.

“Incline my heart to Your testimonies!” 

Psalm 119:36

Miriam Hamstra is from the state of Indiana, and she loves life there. Adopted at 14 months old, she is originally from Russia. She enjoys competition of any kind, especially sports. Miriam’s greatest passion is writing and pointing others to Christ through written words. She loves sharing the great truths of the Word with others, and she finds joy in telling them about God’s love and faithfulness in her life. She also enjoys spending time with her family which includes her twin sister. She enjoys playing volleyball and basketball, spending time with friends, and playing music with her sister.

          For more resources on this topic, please check out these Morning Glory article, 10 Tips for Beating a Crush: Spending Time with God, and the GirlDefined articles: 5 Easy Ways to Read Your Bible, 3 Quick Tips to Improve Your Personal Devotions, 5 Quick Tips to Having an Awesome Quiet Time. Also, join Morning Glory's Daily Devotional and choose what days you want to receive a devotional in your inbox!
 

Do you read your Bible every day? What tips do you have for others who are struggling to do so? Which reason listed above do you feel like is the most important? Share in the comments!