How will reading God’s Word make your life better?
Truth and freedom. It seems that everywhere you look today, someone is marketing “the truth” in the form of some new book, program, or product. Who are you supposed to believe—and how much will it cost you? Well, Jesus is the real deal. “If you abide in My word,” He promises, “you are truly My disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32). You can rest assured that the Bible tells the truth, and is the standard by which you can measure all things.
Growing in faith. Faith comes by hearing and receiving the Word of God (Romans 10:17).To grow in our faith and become mature Christians, we need to read and believe God’s Word. As you read and study the Bible with an open mind and receptive heart, your understanding and faith will grow.
Living in His joy. Lasting joy comes from following Jesus’ loving example and His commandments. Jesus said, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love. … These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:10–11). When disappointments, obstacles, and setbacks wear on you, taking time to read God’s Word will help put things in proper perspective.
Finding God’s will. God has a plan for your life. He knows what’s best for you. God’s Word recorded in the Bible is the known, sure, revealed will of God. So, when you’re faced with a decision, look at what He’s said before. Pattern your decision on a similar situation in the Bible, or on the foundation principles of God’s Word. You can also ask God to speak to your heart directly and show you what His will is for you in that particular situation. “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:6 NKJV).
Models for godly living. The Bible is full of stories about otherwise ordinary men and women whose faith and love for God saw them through thick and thin and made them great in His eyes. Much can be learned and much strength can be drawn from their examples. “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).
God’s promises. God has promised in His Word to protect and keep His children, to provide for them, and to be with them in times of trouble. Some of His promises are universal, such as, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Others were originally made to certain individuals or groups of people, but we can apply the spiritual principles and ask God to intervene on our behalf, as He has in the lives of others.
More love. It is difficult to follow Christ’s injunction to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) when your “neighbors”—those you interact with on a regular basis—are sometimes the most difficult people to get along with, much less love. As you draw close to God through His Word, His Holy Spirit will help you to be more understanding, compassionate, and tolerant toward others.