We all know we should read the Bible regularly.  Knowing it and doing it are often two different things, though.  For some reason I struggle to make quiet time a priority.  Maybe it’s because kids and school and housework all seem more pressing.  And, of course, “quiet” time is almost nonexistent in my house.  For example, I recently sat down around 8 am to read my Bible.  Then, I got interrupted by one of the kids.  I took this photo seven hours later.  My Bible and notebook were still open on the table, but I never got back to it.  Can you relate?  Your distractions may be different than mine, but I bet we all have them. 

I’ve tried different reading plans and systems.  I’ve gotten new Bibles.  I’ve even bought pretty notebooks and pens for journaling, thinking that those things would motivate me to be more consistent with my quiet time.  None of it worked, though, because those things didn’t provide the proper motivation.    

What should motivate us to read the Bible?  Reminding ourselves of the benefits of reading the Bible may help us to make it a priority in our lives.  In a previous post, I discussed the beauty of God’s Word, based on Psalm 19:7-11.  Today I’ll revisit verses 7 and 8 to identify four important benefits we receive when we read the Scripture (based on the NIV Bible).

 1. God’s Word refreshes the soul (v7).

The idea here is “being brought back.”  If we are not actively seeking God, we will drift away from Him, leading to a spiritual drought.  As we become more focused on the world around us and less on spiritual things, God may feel far away.  Our prayers may not seem effective.  However, as we spend more time in God’s Word, our focus will return to God, and our souls will be fed.  Our relationship with God will be renewed.

2. God’s Word makes the simple wise (v7).

Who couldn’t use more wisdom?  Sometimes we all have questions about marriage, parenting, or just life in general.  We may read self-help books, ask our friends for advice, or attend seminars or conferences, hoping to have our questions answered.  However, the Bible seems to be the last place we go.  There’s nothing wrong with books or our friend’s advice, as long as they point us to the Bible.  God has given us the answers to all of life’s important questions in His Word (2 Peter 1:3). 

3. God’s Word gives joy to the heart (v8).

Sometimes, joy may be lacking in our lives, due to the pressures and demands of life.  We may be in a particularly hard or sorrowful time.  However, we are commanded to rejoice always (Philippians 4:4).  We are to be joyful no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.  That is really hard to do when we are not spending enough time in God’s Word.  As we read God’s promises in the Bible, we can find many reasons for joy. 

You can find a list of 10 Bible promises to bring you joy here.

4. God’s Word gives light to the eyes (v8).

Have you ever stumbled your way through a dark room, only to trip or bump into something?  A light is extremely useful in the darkness.  It lets us see clearly what is around us and it keeps us safe. The Bible does this for us as we try to stumble our way through the dark world.  Only in the light of the truth of Scripture can we see the sinful world as it really is.  If we obey God’s commands, we will stay safe on the right path.

With benefits like these we can’t afford not to spend time in God’s Word.  Reading our Bible regularly keeps us close to God.  It also gives us wisdom, joy, and guidance.  I know that my days are much better when I’m consistently spending time with God.  Whether you read it in a book or on your phone, whether you listen to it on an app, whether you read a lot or a little—any time you spend in God’s Word will benefit you.  Will you commit with me to making God’s Word a priority in your day?