“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to Me! 40 Yet you refuse to come to Me to receive this life.” – John 5:39-40 NLT
I am one of the few men who like to watch Rom-Coms with my wife (I usually cry before she does.) We find ourselves sympathizing with the characters to some degree. The same thing happens when we read mystery novels together.
I like to create unique voices for the characters as I read aloud. The stories that interest us the most are the ones we can identify with. Sometimes fictitious characters become almost real to us as we hear their stories and share their experiences in our imagination.
If we can have such a moving experience reading fiction, it is certainly possible to build our relationship with the living God by reading His Word. Reading the Bible can feel like a scholarly task or even a dead ritual at times. But every page of Scripture points to Jesus and calls us to a deeper relationship with Him.
When we immerse ourselves in the Word, we encounter the teachings and character of the One who loves us unconditionally and desires to be in a close, personal relationship with us. The Bible reveals who God is, how much He cares for us, and what He expects of us. It also gives us encouragement, comfort, and guidance for life’s challenges.
To cultivate a deeper relationship with God through reading the Bible, we must approach it with an open heart and a teachable spirit. Don’t just read the Bible; allow the Word to read you.
We should pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth of God’s Word and give us the wisdom and understanding we need to apply it to our lives. In addition, it is wise to try to understand the context and cultural background of the passages we read, as this can both greatly enhance our understanding and deepen our connection with God.
I remember reading Proverbs 27:7, “A person who is full refuses honey, but even bitter food tastes sweet to the hungry.” It made sense to me, and I understood it. I don’t want dessert when I’m full.
One day, after getting some particularly bad news about my daughter, I was hungry for God to speak; even if His words were bitter, I wanted Him to speak into our situation.
I found that the verses in Proverbs have a natural meaning, and they also have a deeper spiritual meaning. It brought the book to life, and the experience helped me get to know God more personally.
Reading the Bible helps us see God’s plan and purpose for our lives and gives us the strength and courage to live according to His will. When we read the accounts of flawed heroes of faith, we are inspired and encouraged to persevere. And when we read about God’s love, grace, and forgiveness, we are reminded of the depth of His love for us, even when we fall short.
Reading the Bible is an essential part of our relationship with God. As we immerse ourselves in His Word, we draw closer to Him and experience His love and power in our lives. We should make time each day to engage with the Bible and allow it to shape and guide us as we grow in our relationship with our loving God.
Dig Deeper
1. How can you make Bible reading a regular part of your day? Start by reading one Proverb a day corresponding to what day it is. Read Proverbs 1 on the first of the month, Proverbs 2 on the second day of the month, etc. There are 31 proverbs, so you’ll finish at the end of the month.
2. What books of the Bible have you found to be most fruitful in developing your relationship with God? What books might also be a benefit to study?
