If you are reading this, you have probably asked yourself at some point, “Why should I spend time in Scripture? Is it worth it?” I believe the answer is a resounding yes, and here’s why.
First and foremost, Scripture is how we hear the Gospel and learn about the person and work of Christ. From the first page of Genesis to the last page of Revelation, every part of Scripture speaks to humanity, our sins, and the depth of our need for God; on every page, we learn about the character, nature, and work of God. Without Scripture to convict our hearts and show us the truth about God, we would be blind to the Gospel. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
As Christians, we have the unimaginable privilege of having a relationship with God. Like any other relationship, we grow closer to the Lord by spending time with Him, learning about Him, and talking to Him. “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18). Spending time in the Word helps us do all this in our relationship with the Lord. Scripture teaches us how to pray, following the examples of Jesus, David, Hannah, the apostles, and others. Many of the Psalms were written from man’s perspective, and since they cover a wide range of emotions, they can give us words to pray when we’re not sure what to say. By spending time reading, studying, and memorizing the very Word of God, we become more and more familiar with God’s character and mind. As we spend time with the Lord, we begin to see Him for who He is. In Scripture, God’s character is revealed to us as He repeatedly demonstrates His faithfulness to the unfaithful, His justice to the oppressed and the oppressors, His righteousness to the unrighteous, His goodness to the undeserving, His holiness to the sinful, and His love to the unlovely and unloving.
God uses the time we spent in His Word to transform who we are. The more time we spend with Him, the more we become like Him. “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” (John 17:19). Even though I often approached the Bible with a sinful attitude devoid of humility and joy, God still used the Scripture I learned in those times to work in me. I didn’t notice right away, or even a few months later, but after several years, I’m beginning to see what He is doing in my heart and mind. I’m so thankful that God promises His Word will never fail to accomplish His purposes. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11). Through His Word, He works in our hearts to conform us to the image of Christ.
Furthermore, Scripture is our source of authoritative truth. By spending time in it, we learn not only the truth about our sins, the depth of our need for God, and the amazing truth of the Gospel, but we also gain practical wisdom for every area of life. Whether we need wisdom about family, finances, friendship, or any other situation we face, the Lord has given us principles in His Word to guide and instruct us to live life in a way that brings glory to Him. Even if there isn’t a verse about every specific topic you can imagine (for example “where should I go to college?”), He has given us everything we need to glorify Him with our lives. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV). As our Creator, the Lord knows what it takes for us to live our lives well, and He has graciously given us those instructions in the Bible.
Finally, Scripture gives us peace, comfort, and perspective in every struggle and situation. By turning our focus away from ourselves and onto Christ, who loves us with everlasting love, we can have peace in uncertainty because we know that the same God who was faithful to the His promises to the Israelites despite their repeated disobedience is directing our lives and our steps. Our comfort comes from the knowledge that our Savior has experienced every trial and temptation that we experience, and He is interceding for us. And our hope and perspective come from knowing that our faithful God has promised us that He is working all things for good and that we will someday be in His presence in fellowship with Him because Christ has broken down the barrier between us.
In conclusion, we need to spend time in Scripture because it is vital for our spiritual health and sustenance. Without it, we do not know Christ, our spiritual bread and living water. We spend time in Scripture because we cannot afford not to.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
Psalm 19:7-11
Written by NBB Alumna: Janese Hurst
