Psalm 119:11 I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.
Reading in general improves memory and cognitive ability. Reading is a healthy habit that improves brain power, vocabulary, language and emotional skills. Other benefits of reading are that it reduces stress, improves concentration; enhances knowledge, creativity and imagination. Unlike the Bible times, when only the elite and the affluent could afford literacy we are all equipped with reading abilities. A survey confirms that over the last 65 years the global literacy rate increased by 4% every 5 years – from 42% in 1960 to 86% in 2015.
Reading improves cognitive ability and Bible reading increases spiritual understanding. The Word of God is like food to our soul. Before we have breakfast every morning, we must feed our soul with the scriptures. Bible Reading enlightens us about the goodness of God. The scriptures enable us to hear God’s thoughts and understand the truth. If you think you don’t hear God’s voice, spend more time reading the Bible. A methodical reading of the Bible augments courage, confidence and candor. The Word of God nurtures our soul with nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants. It is also the spiritual detoxing agent that flushes out crooked thinking, anxiety, apprehensions and allusions. God’s word hidden in our heart keeps us from falling into headstrong, stubborn sins. There will be a red alert and the alarm of our soul will be triggered when sin tries to tempt or lure us. Reading, ruminating and repeating the Word of God is a good spiritual discipline to cultivate.
Discipline your spirit-man to read the Word of God:
1. Habit: Reading is a learnt habit. We might not always be motivated to read the Bible as much as we want to read fashion, sports or business magazines. Intentionally develop Bible reading as a habit. The psychology of ‘healthy habit formation’ is to set a routine, repeat to replicate it in the brain and positively reinforce the habit by ruminating on the rewards. Reflect on the benefits of reading and studying the Word. Make it your new year’s resolution, set goals to thoroughly study the Word. Memorize a verse a day in order to make it your innate natural response.
2. Hobby: Reading is a healthy hobby. Read books, articles and manuscripts that will energize and direct you towards your goal. Also bring my books, and especially my papers (2 Timothy 4:13). Paul asked Timothy to bring his parchments and thesis papers to the prison cell. When reading is your hobby, even the cell will be a luxurious hideaway reading condo. Develop a healthy hobby of reading.
3. History: History makers are invariably readers, writers and orators. Influential writing and motivating are byproducts of the disciple of regular reading. John C Maxwell, a legend in the leadership world says, “Reading was the simplest and fastest way to discover thinking and ideas that were far outside the norms of the community where I grew up.” Reflective reading will make us history-makers and kingdom-builders.
Bible reading is a very healthy spiritual discipline. Don’t neglect it.
Psalm 119:18 – The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
Prayer: Gentle Holy Spirit, guide me as I read the word into deeper understanding of your love. Help me to feed on your Word before I fill my belly with breakfast. Amen
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