We’re a couple of weeks into 2022 now and I’m wondering how many among us are still on track with our New Year’s resolutions.
I’m doing magnificently! But only because I didn’t make any resolutions. One of the potential perks of aging is a wise realism that keeps one from making overzealous vows that are doomed from the start.
It’s certainly good to be resolute about making positive changes, but I’m generally more successful when I make those changes as conviction hits me. The Holy Spirit doesn’t typically wait until New Year’s Day to prompt us to begin or eliminate certain habits.
I’m not sure I’d call it a resolution, but several times I’ve felt prompted to read through the Bible in a year, beginning on Jan. 1. Reading it cover to cover used to seem daunting because it meant trudging through all those Old Testament chapters full of laws, battles, confusing prophecies and bad kings.
But one year I decided it was time, so I bought a copy of the “One Year Bible,” which includes daily readings from the Old and New Testaments, Psalms and Proverbs. I confess I was motivated primarily by peer pressure and competition that first time through. Like runners who enter a marathon, I wanted to cross this spiritual finish line to simply know I’d conquered it.
What I discovered that year, however, was that even on days when nothing I read struck me like a lightning bolt, ingesting so much truth every single morning strengthened my heart, mind and spirit in an astounding way.
That shouldn’t have surprised me. Here are just a few of the benefits God ascribes to His Word: it nourishes and sustains us (Matthew 4:4); it illuminates and guides (Psalm 119:105); it is truth (John 17:17); it stands forever (Isaiah 40:8); it gives life (John 6:63); it accomplishes God’s purposes (Isaiah 55:11); it is a spiritual weapon (Ephesians 6:17); it is a treasure (Job 23:12); it builds faith (Romans 10:17).
Oprah and Dr. Oz can tout self-help strategies all day, but nothing can do for us what the Bible can. After all, it’s written by the Great Physician, the One who created us and literally knows everything about, well, everything.
I recently read a post by a guy who said he wanted to understand the Bible, but was struggling to grasp its meaning and “just loved sin too much.” But he continued to feel drawn to seek God so he kept reading the Scriptures.
“I didn’t even understand what was happening anymore,” he wrote, “but it is as if I had taken on this new trajectory in life. Then in December, 2018, I began to read the Bible from the very first chapter to the end. I knew I wouldn’t understand it all, but I also knew I couldn’t possibly remain the same once I read it.”
He didn’t stay the same. And neither did I. And neither does anyone who opens their heart and mind to God’s heart and mind, as expressed in the Bible.
When God says His Word is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart,” He wasn’t kidding.
We use mirrors all the time to make sure we look okay on the outside. The Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to reveal what’s going on inside our hearts and minds. Why would we not look there every day?
It’s not too late to resolve to read the Bible through in 2022. The train’s barely left the station so you can still jump on board. It’ll be the best trip you ever take. (FYI: No Covid passport is required!)