Finding joy in Bible reading

We all know that we should be reading our Bibles. We know it is important for us. Yet it can seem like a chore at times. Like taking medication, which we know we might need, we do it but don’t always enjoy it. It is good for us, but it is not always fun.

Compare that attitude to what we see in the verses below:

• Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (Ps. 1:1-2 ESV)
• The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts 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 rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. (Ps. 19:7-10 ESV)
• How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. (Ps. 119:103-104 ESV)

It will help if we consider what we are doing when we read the Bible. It is not like a textbook we have to wade through in order to pass an exam. It is not something we have to do out of expectation or duty. It is something we get to do; a privilege, a blessing.

Countless people through history would have loved to have the access to God’s word that we enjoy today. We can read and we have it (most of the time) in our own language. We can afford it; we can get access for free on our phones or the internet. We have it in audio form and have so many books that help us understand it. What a blessing this is!

And think about what the Bible is: it is God telling us what He is like and what He has done. If someone you love deeply spoke to you, wouldn’t you want to listen? If you are married, and your wife or husband wants to speak to you, do you think, “Oh well, I suppose because I am married, I should listen even though I don’t want to”? I hope not! You would be keen to listen because you love them. It is a joy and blessing to listen, not a burden, and not only done out of duty.

If your Bible reading seems dry and only dutiful, think about these things. Pray to God for help to understand the value and joy in having the Scriptures. And remind yourself that this is practical and useful for you. Apply what you read in a way that you can act on today, either in prayer or thinking or action.

It is a blessing to have God’s word and to read it. Let’s see it as a joy and not a burden.