This past week began the new year of 2023. Along with the new years comes the resolution people make to stick to throughout the year, and one of the most common resolutions for those of faith is to read through the entirety of the Bible.
As we read, we need to remind ourselves how incredibly important and powerful the word of God is! Hebrews 4:12-13 tells the reader:
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
As we read the Bible, we do so knowing that it is not just any, ordinary book. Rather, the Bible is the way that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, has chosen to communicate with His people today. That is why this year, as you are reading through your Bible readings, you will see verses that you have known and appreciated take on new meaning. For example, I became a father this year when my wife and I welcomed our first child. Since then, I have taken on a whole new appreciation for what I have read, quoted, and recited since I was a child in John 3:16, because now, I understand the different kind of love a Father or Mother has for their son.
We take peace in the fact that God has created the Bible, the Bible is inspired by God (II Timothy 3:16), and while the Bible is the same and will always mean the same, we are able to grow in our study, appreciation, and devotion to the word. As our knowledge of life and our experiences increase, so will our understanding of God’s word, as we read it an apply it to our lives.
So, this year, as you read God’s word, take time to appreciate the season of your life you are in, and take time to appreciate that God loved you so very much, and with this love He gave you His Word!
When you are in times of darkness, know that the Bible is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105).
When your are in need, remember that we live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).
Lastly, when you think about your future, your tomorrow, know that the word of God will not change, and that all that it says: that God loves you, helps you, gave you His only son, all those things will last forevermore! The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8)
-Winston Smith