Why Do I Continue To Read the Bible?
When I was a child, I loved to hear the stories of David and
how he defeated Goliath, and how Joseph’s beautiful colored cloak was taken
from him but replaced by the King’s favor and became governor of Egypt. I never
tired of reading about the birth of Jesus, nor drawing the three hills with
crosses that represented Jesus being crucified with two sinners on each side of
Him. Each of these stories taught me
love and trust in my heavenly Father, but also how to act and react in time of
hardships.
As I grew older, I was attracted to the Bible for the same
reason. I take the teachings of Jesus,
Paul, David, and King Solomon as advice of how to walk this land. Sometimes in the dessert, I must pray
earnestly as Jesus did. When wondering
how to live life, I read and trust the Proverbs of Solomon. David gives me courage, Joseph teaches me how
to endure injustice, and Jesus teaches me unconditional love. Without these teachers and friends, I might
rely on my own thoughts or actions. Many
times my thoughts and choices have failed me. Then, I would return to the Bible
and follow its plan and advice and be successful and gain understanding.
The Bible is a nutrient for my soul. It enriches me, encourages me, and gives me
stability. I may not understand all of
St. Paul’s admonitions or desire his sufferings, but I do acknowledge the
truths he learned through his trials.
The Bible is a bit like a scrapbook of all my friends and how they
handled adversity, life choices, and blessings.
I learn from them and can model after their choices. I can see Jesus climbing Calvary for me. My heart sorrows that the brothers of Joseph
were so jealous of him that they left him in a pit to die. My mind explodes with gratitude when I hear
the prayers of Jesus at Gethsemane and on the Cross. I hunger for the new truth
found each morning in the book I have cherished since childhood. The Bible is my rock and my foundation. Without it, I would be so lost.
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