Why You Need to Read the Word of God

5 Mins

One of my weaknesses is a short attention span for anything that does not provide immediate benefit. A flaw once minor now threatens to become major, thanks to scrolling. It’s the same on every platform–the post, reel, picture, meme, or video has less than two seconds to earn my attention before a thumb swipes it away. Admit it, your thumb is twitchy about staying with this article.

I aspire to keep that short attention span out of my encounters with God’s Word, and I encourage you to do the same. Time spent in the Bible is spent with Jesus—time with a person, not time with a book. Let’s remember just a few of the myriad reasons why knowing God’s Word is important for daily life:

When we are conflicted, God’s word has untangling power.

It pierces between soul and spirit, the light of truth reaching clouded thoughts. This isn’t wishful idealism—this is what God’s Word does. It is not merely writings of human wisdom. It is God-conceived, God-breathed, God-directed, God-assembled, and God-preserved. When you hold a Bible book or scroll a Bible app, you are interacting with the words of God, not just words about God. Hold the Scriptures with this level of reverence. Hold them with this level of confidence.

Scripture shows us the whole story while we struggle in our messy middle.

You may identify with the people of Israel caught between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea; your situation is perilous. The Exodus travelers did not know what the Lord would do—they were in the middle of their story. But because you know God’s Word, you know the beginnings, the middle, and the ending. Facing your own Red Sea, faith overtakes fear. You’ve read what God can do in those moments. It does not mean that God will part the waters for you—but because you know the Bible, you know that he could.

The Psalms give us kindred spirit prayers for celebrating or sinking.

They keep our gaze Godward with raw, deeply felt prayers and unfiltered shouts of joy. What if you became so familiar with the Psalms that you knew exactly where to find verses of praise to pray back to God when something good happens? And should an enemy appear or your plans begin to sink, you could know exactly where to find psalms of longing, lament, or cries to God for rescue. Knowing your Bible loads the heart to be ready to celebrate, give thanks, and declare that the glory and credit are his.

The Bible is God’s self-revelation.

Each book has something God wants us to know about his nature, character, and ways. God is eager to share himself with us. Your Bible is more than a reference book. God invites us to find him on every page.

Scripture keeps us alert to our citizenship in a better Kingdom.

Knowing God’s Word wakes us from the lazy river of worldly culture. It reminds us about who we truly are. It outlines the future of this world and the destiny of those in Christ.

I have owned several paper Bibles, switching translations or formats as they captured my attention. (Don’t get distracted by the thought of paper Bible vs. digital app. The Bible you will habitually use is the best one.) I loved the Bible I used through high school and college. It is now shelved as I no longer track with that translation. But I loved it. I was intimately familiar with its delicately thin pages. Often, I did not know the chapter and verse address for a passage, but I knew it was on the left side near the bottom of the page. This familiarity only comes from frequent handling.

Personal study of God’s word does not always mean studying alone. Many of us aren’t as disciplined as we would like, so jumpstarting a Bible-reading habit could benefit from a buddy. Start with a small goal. Make plans to grab a meal or coffee once a month to talk about what you’ve discovered and enjoyed in the Word. If you want more, meet more often. Meet up with someone on Monday to dig deeper into what was preached on Sunday. But at the start, set yourself up for success to minimize the chance of feeling pressure or obligation. The aim is to meet God in his Word. Why not text someone right now, inviting them to a monthly hangout to share what God has been doing as you’ve read your Bible?

It’s great that you gather with the saints on Sunday, nodding in agreement as the Word is preached. You might even affirm the Word out loud, “Preach it!” or “Yes!” or “Amen!” (By the way, we preachers love that—keep it coming.) But are you opening the Word between Sundays to nod in agreement in your bedroom, saying Amen in your car, or at the coffee shop?

Please allow me a moment to exhort you to spend more time with your Bible. To exhort someone is to cheer them on, to spark their courage, to clap your hands while declaring, “You can do it! Keep going!” It’s a little like a rallying halftime speech—a coach calling the team to give it everything they’ve got, to remember their fundamentals, and to play for each other. If a halftime speech doesn’t resonate, picture cheering bystanders along a marathon route. Among the whoops and cheers, you’ll hear, “You’ve got this!” and “Don’t give up, you’re almost there! Or “Way to go! Keep up the pace!” That’s exhortation.

So here is yours: Don’t give up! There are a few more miles to go. There’s a second half to be played. Don’t forget your fundamentals! Keep going to church for sermons, but read the Bible for yourself between Sundays! You’ll be so glad that you did!

Read your Bible. The stories are epic. The stories are true. God is still doing today the things he did in the Scriptures. You will find guidance in your Bible. You will find encouragement and hope in your Bible. Best of all, you will find him.

Scripture References

8Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Psalm 119

א Aleph

1Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,

who walk according to the law of the

Lord

2Blessed are those who keep his statutes

and seek him with all their heart—

3they do no wrong

but follow his ways.

4You have laid down precepts

that are to be fully obeyed.

5Oh, that my ways were steadfast

in obeying your decrees!

6Then I would not be put to shame

when I consider all your commands.

7I will praise you with an upright heart

as I learn your righteous laws.

8I will obey your decrees;

do not utterly forsake me.

ב Beth

9How can a young person stay on the path of purity?

By living according to your word.

10I seek you with all my heart;

do not let me stray from your commands.

11I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you.

12Praise be to you,

Lord

;

teach me your decrees.

13With my lips I recount

all the laws that come from your mouth.

14I rejoice in following your statutes

as one rejoices in great riches.

15I meditate on your precepts

and consider your ways.

16I delight in your decrees;

I will not neglect your word.

ג Gimel

17Be good to your servant while I live,

that I may obey your word.

18Open my eyes that I may see

wonderful things in your law.

19I am a stranger on earth;

do not hide your commands from me.

20My soul is consumed with longing

for your laws at all times.

21You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,

those who stray from your commands.

22Remove from me their scorn and contempt,

for I keep your statutes.

23Though rulers sit together and slander me,

your servant will meditate on your decrees.

24Your statutes are my delight;

they are my counselors.

ד Daleth

25I am laid low in the dust;

preserve my life according to your word.

26I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;

teach me your decrees.

27Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,

that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.

28My soul is weary with sorrow;

strengthen me according to your word.

29Keep me from deceitful ways;

be gracious to me and teach me your law.

30I have chosen the way of faithfulness;

I have set my heart on your laws.

31I hold fast to your statutes,

Lord

;

do not let me be put to shame.

32I run in the path of your commands,

for you have broadened my understanding.

ה He

33Teach me,

Lord

, the way of your decrees,

that I may follow it to the end.

34Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law

and obey it with all my heart.

35Direct me in the path of your commands,

for there I find delight.

36Turn my heart toward your statutes

and not toward selfish gain.

37Turn my eyes away from worthless things;

preserve my life according to your word.

38Fulfill your promise to your servant,

so that you may be feared.

39Take away the disgrace I dread,

for your laws are good.

40How I long for your precepts!

In your righteousness preserve my life.

ו Waw

41May your unfailing love come to me,

Lord

your salvation, according to your promise;

42then I can answer anyone who taunts me,

for I trust in your word.

43Never take your word of truth from my mouth,

for I have put my hope in your laws.

44I will always obey your law,

for ever and ever.

45I will walk about in freedom,

for I have sought out your precepts.

46I will speak of your statutes before kings

and will not be put to shame,

47for I delight in your commands

because I love them.

48I reach out for your commands, which I love,

that I may meditate on your decrees.

ז Zayin

49Remember your word to your servant,

for you have given me hope.

50My comfort in my suffering is this:

Your promise preserves my life.

51The arrogant mock me unmercifully,

but I do not turn from your law.

52I remember,

Lord

, your ancient laws,

and I find comfort in them.

53Indignation grips me because of the wicked,

who have forsaken your law.

54Your decrees are the theme of my song

wherever I lodge.

55In the night,

Lord

, I remember your name,

that I may keep your law.

56This has been my practice:

I obey your precepts.

ח Heth

57You are my portion,

Lord

;

I have promised to obey your words.

58I have sought your face with all my heart;

be gracious to me according to your promise.

59I have considered my ways

and have turned my steps to your statutes.

60I will hasten and not delay

to obey your commands.

61Though the wicked bind me with ropes,

I will not forget your law.

62At midnight I rise to give you thanks

for your righteous laws.

63I am a friend to all who fear you,

to all who follow your precepts.

64The earth is filled with your love,

Lord

;

teach me your decrees.

ט Teth

65Do good to your servant

according to your word,

Lord

66Teach me knowledge and good judgment,

for I trust your commands.

67Before I was afflicted I went astray,

but now I obey your word.

68You are good, and what you do is good;

teach me your decrees.

69Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,

I keep your precepts with all my heart.

70Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,

but I delight in your law.

71It was good for me to be afflicted

so that I might learn your decrees.

72The law from your mouth is more precious to me

than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

י Yodh

73Your hands made me and formed me;

give me understanding to learn your commands.

74May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,

for I have put my hope in your word.

75I know,

Lord

, that your laws are righteous,

and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

76May your unfailing love be my comfort,

according to your promise to your servant.

77Let your compassion come to me that I may live,

for your law is my delight.

78May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;

but I will meditate on your precepts.

79May those who fear you turn to me,

those who understand your statutes.

80May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees,

that I may not be put to shame.

כ Kaph

81My soul faints with longing for your salvation,

but I have put my hope in your word.

82My eyes fail, looking for your promise;

I say, “When will you comfort me?”

83Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,

I do not forget your decrees.

84How long must your servant wait?

When will you punish my persecutors?

85The arrogant dig pits to trap me,

contrary to your law.

86All your commands are trustworthy;

help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.

87They almost wiped me from the earth,

but I have not forsaken your precepts.

88In your unfailing love preserve my life,

that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.

ל Lamedh

89Your word,

Lord

, is eternal;

it stands firm in the heavens.

90Your faithfulness continues through all generations;

you established the earth, and it endures.

91Your laws endure to this day,

for all things serve you.

92If your law had not been my delight,

I would have perished in my affliction.

93I will never forget your precepts,

for by them you have preserved my life.

94Save me, for I am yours;

I have sought out your precepts.

95The wicked are waiting to destroy me,

but I will ponder your statutes.

96To all perfection I see a limit,

but your commands are boundless.

מ Mem

97Oh, how I love your law!

I meditate on it all day long.

98Your commands are always with me

and make me wiser than my enemies.

99I have more insight than all my teachers,

for I meditate on your statutes.

100I have more understanding than the elders,

for I obey your precepts.

101I have kept my feet from every evil path

so that I might obey your word.

102I have not departed from your laws,

for you yourself have taught me.

103How sweet are your words to my taste,

sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104I gain understanding from your precepts;

therefore I hate every wrong path.

נ Nun

105Your word is a lamp for my feet,

a light on my path.

106I have taken an oath and confirmed it,

that I will follow your righteous laws.

107I have suffered much;

preserve my life,

Lord

, according to your word.

108Accept,

Lord

, the willing praise of my mouth,

and teach me your laws.

109Though I constantly take my life in my hands,

I will not forget your law.

110The wicked have set a snare for me,

but I have not strayed from your precepts.

111Your statutes are my heritage forever;

they are the joy of my heart.

112My heart is set on keeping your decrees

to the very end.

ס Samekh

113I hate double-minded people,

but I love your law.

114You are my refuge and my shield;

I have put my hope in your word.

115Away from me, you evildoers,

that I may keep the commands of my God!

116Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live;

do not let my hopes be dashed.

117Uphold me, and I will be delivered;

I will always have regard for your decrees.

118You reject all who stray from your decrees,

for their delusions come to nothing.

119All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;

therefore I love your statutes.

120My flesh trembles in fear of you;

I stand in awe of your laws.

ע Ayin

121I have done what is righteous and just;

do not leave me to my oppressors.

122Ensure your servant’s well-being;

do not let the arrogant oppress me.

123My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,

looking for your righteous promise.

124Deal with your servant according to your love

and teach me your decrees.

125I am your servant; give me discernment

that I may understand your statutes.

126It is time for you to act,

Lord

;

your law is being broken.

127Because I love your commands

more than gold, more than pure gold,

128and because I consider all your precepts right,

I hate every wrong path.

פ Pe

129Your statutes are wonderful;

therefore I obey them.

130The unfolding of your words gives light;

it gives understanding to the simple.

131I open my mouth and pant,

longing for your commands.

132Turn to me and have mercy on me,

as you always do to those who love your name.

133Direct my footsteps according to your word;

let no sin rule over me.

134Redeem me from human oppression,

that I may obey your precepts.

135Make your face shine on your servant

and teach me your decrees.

136Streams of tears flow from my eyes,

for your law is not obeyed.

צ Tsadhe

137You are righteous,

Lord

and your laws are right.

138The statutes you have laid down are righteous;

they are fully trustworthy.

139My zeal wears me out,

for my enemies ignore your words.

140Your promises have been thoroughly tested,

and your servant loves them.

141Though I am lowly and despised,

I do not forget your precepts.

142Your righteousness is everlasting

and your law is true.

143Trouble and distress have come upon me,

but your commands give me delight.

144Your statutes are always righteous;

give me understanding that I may live.

ק Qoph

145I call with all my heart; answer me,

Lord

and I will obey your decrees.

146I call out to you; save me

and I will keep your statutes.

147I rise before dawn and cry for help;

I have put my hope in your word.

148My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,

that I may meditate on your promises.

149Hear my voice in accordance with your love;

preserve my life,

Lord

, according to your laws.

150Those who devise wicked schemes are near,

but they are far from your law.

151Yet you are near,

Lord

and all your commands are true.

152Long ago I learned from your statutes

that you established them to last forever.

ר Resh

153Look on my suffering and deliver me,

for I have not forgotten your law.

154Defend my cause and redeem me;

preserve my life according to your promise.

155Salvation is far from the wicked,

for they do not seek out your decrees.

156Your compassion,

Lord

, is great;

preserve my life according to your laws.

157Many are the foes who persecute me,

but I have not turned from your statutes.

158I look on the faithless with loathing,

for they do not obey your word.

159See how I love your precepts;

preserve my life,

Lord

, in accordance with your love.

160All your words are true;

all your righteous laws are eternal.

ש Sin and Shin

161Rulers persecute me without cause,

but my heart trembles at your word.

162I rejoice in your promise

like one who finds great spoil.

163I hate and detest falsehood

but I love your law.

164Seven times a day I praise you

for your righteous laws.

165Great peace have those who love your law,

and nothing can make them stumble.

166I wait for your salvation,

Lord

and I follow your commands.

167I obey your statutes,

for I love them greatly.

168I obey your precepts and your statutes,

for all my ways are known to you.

ת Taw

169May my cry come before you,

Lord

;

give me understanding according to your word.

170May my supplication come before you;

deliver me according to your promise.

171May my lips overflow with praise,

for you teach me your decrees.

172May my tongue sing of your word,

for all your commands are righteous.

173May your hand be ready to help me,

for I have chosen your precepts.

174I long for your salvation,

Lord

and your law gives me delight.

175Let me live that I may praise you,

and may your laws sustain me.

176I have strayed like a lost sheep.

Seek your servant,

for I have not forgotten your commands.

The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit

and life.

16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

17so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

12For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Kyle Dunn

Kyle Dunn serves as Lead Pastor for People of Hope Church—a non-denominational church plant in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He is a graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Kyle and his wife, Stacy, have been married for thirty-four years. They have three wonderful children who are now in their twenties. Kyle enjoys traveling, reading history, bombarding his family with facts about history, and trying new restaurants with Stacy.