Drama, poetry, humor. Action, adventure, supernatural suspense. Practical how-to’s and passionate love proclamations. The Bible has it all! Unfortunately, many people know of the Bible, but do not really know the Bible—they do not know the strength and comfort and guidance found in its pages. Psalm 119:105 says that God’s sacred Word is “a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
Here’s how to make sure you gather all the Bible has to offer:
1. Read the Bible—really read it.
You cannot get help from God’s Word by hearing about the Bible or by looking up a stray verse and hoping it will help you.
2. Read it every day, until it becomes part of you.
Then it will begin to speak to you.
3. Especially read the Psalms and the Gospels.
This will lead you into the heart of the Bible’s message.
4. Go deeper.
Read the prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, etc.) and the Epistles (Romans, Galatians, etc.). They will give you deeper insight into the total message.
5. Memorize and incorporate.
Learning passages by heart will help you incorporate God’s Word into your life. Psalm 119:11 shows the advantage of this strategy: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
6. Live with the Bible.
Follow it daily, as you would a guidebook on a trip. In consulting it you will find it has an answer for every problem, help for every need.
7. Repeat favorite texts daily as you walk, drive or work.
8. Practice the Bible’s teachings.
Make a list of the things the Bible advises you to do. Love your neighbor, trust God, believe in his guidance, forgive, keep your mind clean, give to the poor. Do these things and God’s blessings will come to you. And, finally, remember Jesus’ words in John 15:11: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
Do you want to be happy? Then simply do what Christ says!
