There are two things necessary for a person to engage in an exercise program: being convinced of the benefits of the program, and a desire for those benefits. If either is missing, there will be no change in behavior. One may want to lose weight and increase heart health, but if he doesn’t believe the program will produce that benefit, he won’t do it. Likewise, one may believe that a program will work, but if he doesn’t really want the results, he won’t start the program.
One of the most important spiritual exercises for the Christian is daily Bible reading. However, it is not hard to fill our days with so many other pursuits that we are left with little time and energy to meet God in his word. With the hope of motivating us to re-engage in this spiritual discipline, let us consider some of the benefits of being a daily reader of God’s word.
Daily Bible reading offers wisdom, direction, and guidance for life. Because “it is not in man who walks to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23), we must “trust in the Lord” so that “he will direct [our] paths” (Prov. 3:5-6). For us to know where God wants us to go, we must listen to him as he speaks through the words of scripture.
- “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psa. 119:11).
- “Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors” (Psa. 119:24).
- “Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation” (Psa. 119:98-99).
- “Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psa. 119:104-105).
- “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple” (Psa. 119:130).
As we walk each day down the pathways of life there are people telling us which path is the right one. How do we filter out bad, destructive, evil advice? How do we recognize who is directing us wisely and who is directing us foolishly? By filtering what we hear through the word of God. But each day that passes without our reading it, the less equipped we are to choose the right path.