7 Benefits we will obtain from reading the Bible Psalm 119
In a world filled with endless information, fleeting trends, and constant distractions, it is easy to lose our way, to feel overwhelmed, or to drift from our spiritual moorings. Yet, in the midst of this, God has provided an unchanging, living, and powerful guide: His Holy Word. Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, is a magnificent testament to the power and beauty of God's law, a passionate hymn to its life-transforming benefits. Today, we will look at seven profound benefits we obtain from diligently studying and living by the Bible, benefits that help us grow spiritually in our service to God.
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1. The Bible Will Keep Us From Sin (Psalm 119:11)
"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."
This verse reveals a crucial preventive benefit of engaging with Scripture. By hiding God's Word in our hearts – through memorization, meditation, and deep understanding – it becomes an internal compass and a powerful deterrent against sin. When temptation arises, the Spirit can bring to mind a relevant passage, reminding us of God's truth and leading us away from wrongdoing. The Bible acts as a spiritual vaccine, building our immunity to the lure of sin.
2. The Bible Strengthens Us (Psalm 119:28)
"My soul melts away from sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!"
Life is full of challenges, sorrows, and moments when our souls feel weak and depleted. In such times, the Bible serves as an incredible source of strength. When we turn to its pages, we find comfort, encouragement, and renewed resolve. God's Word infuses us with divine power, helping us to stand firm in adversity, to endure hardship, and to find resilience even when our spirits are at their lowest. It's spiritual sustenance for the weary soul.
3. The Bible Will Guide Our Steps (Psalm 119:105)
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Imagine walking through a dark, unfamiliar path. You would desperately need a light to see where to place your feet and to discern the way forward. The Bible serves precisely this purpose in our lives. It guides our steps through the moral and spiritual confusion of this world. In a society with shifting values and countless philosophies, God's Word provides the clear, unambiguous light we need to make wise decisions, avoid pitfalls, and walk in alignment with God's will.
4. The Bible Will Bring Us Joy (Psalm 119:111)
"Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart."
While joy can be elusive in a world full of sorrow, the psalmist declares that God's statutes – His Word – are the very joy of his heart. This isn't a superficial happiness, but a deep, abiding delight that comes from knowing God's truth, understanding His character, and living in obedience to His commands. The Bible fills us with a profound satisfaction that transcends circumstances, bringing an inner gladness that is a foretaste of heaven.
5. The Bible Will Guide Us to Wisdom (Psalm 119:130)
"The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple."
True wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but the ability to apply truth effectively in life. The Bible promises that the unfolding of God's words gives light, imparting understanding even to the simple. It guides us beyond human reasoning, providing divine insight into complex situations, relationships, and decisions. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we gain God's perspective, equipping us to live wisely and make choices that honor Him.
6. The Bible Gives Us Peace (Psalm 119:165)
"Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing causes them to stumble."
In a world riddled with anxiety and turmoil, peace is a coveted treasure. Psalm 119:165 assures us that great peace belongs to those who love God's law. This is a tranquility that comes from living in alignment with His will, trusting in His promises, and finding security in His unchanging character. When our lives are anchored in His Word, external storms may rage, but our inner being remains calm, and nothing causes us to stumble from our faith.
7. The Bible Will Bring Us Back to God (Psalm 119:176)
"I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands."
This verse, the very last in Psalm 119, is a poignant admission of our human tendency to stray, like a lost sheep. Yet, even in wandering, the psalmist clings to the fact that he has "not forgotten your commands." The Bible, therefore, serves as a constant tether to our Creator. When we inevitably drift, it is the Holy Spirit, using God's Word, that draws us back to Him, reminds us of our covenant, and restores our fellowship. It is the ultimate means of repentance and reconnection with our Heavenly Father.
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Conclusion:
Beloved brothers and sisters, the benefits of reading and diligently applying the Bible are immense and transformative. It keeps us from sin, strengthens us, guides our steps, brings us joy, leads us to wisdom, gives us peace, and ultimately brings us back to God when we stray.
In a world that desperately needs light and truth, let us commit ourselves afresh to the diligent study of God's Word. Let us hide it in our hearts, allow it to guide our lives, and experience the fullness of the spiritual blessings it provides. May we, like the psalmist, proclaim with joy: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path!" Amen.
