Probably the most famous book in the world is The Holy Bible. Of course, all Christians know about It. But so do the unbelievers. The agnostics and atheists either dispute or deny the Bible. And other religions replace It. But all of them are aware of It.
The unbelievers’ opinion of the Bible is that it is merely one of the millions of books in the world. For the carnal Christian, it is a nice book that helps them feel good about themselves. But to the dedicated Christian believers, it is God’s divine revelation of truth and their only rule of faith and practice.
As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we appreciate the Bible, we respect It and we believe what It says. When we need answers, the Bible is the first place we look. We have made the Bible our only source for truth and our guidance for living. But It is more than that. It is also enjoyable.
In our “daily grind”, sometimes we may forget or get talked out of taking the time to simply read the Bible for pleasure. We don’t always need to be in a dilemma to open the book. Reading the Bible any time uplifts, inspires, edifies, and heals us.
Old Testament accounts are not only educational, but they are also inspirational and enjoyable. To cite all my favorite OT accounts would fill this page and more. How exciting is the account of David and Goliath? What about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? Think about Gideon, Hezekiah, and Solomon. What great examples they set! Do you smile when you read about Balaam’s donkey or blind Ahijah recognizing the king’s wife who was so disguised that no sighted person recognized her?
One of my favorite accounts is Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal. I laugh every time I read about Elijah mocking them to cry louder to their god because he might be busy or traveling or asleep. Then I cheer when Elijah prays and God answers him in spectacular fashion!
These are just a few examples of enjoyable records we can read.
The accounts in the Old Testament are true historical records. And they are examples of what people can do with God’s help. I doubt in this day and time that I have to worry about being thrown into a den of lions. But if that happened, I have the example of Daniel’s believing, which I could imitate.
I call the Book of Psalms, the book of comforts. Reading Psalms brings immense peace to our souls in any situation, even good ones. The psalms are my go-to read when I’m down, but they are also enjoyable anytime. How could you not be blessed when you read…
Psalm 16:11 – Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Or Psalm 94:19 – In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.
There is much enjoyment in all 150 psalms.
The New Testament is equally exciting. The four gospels chronicle the life of our savior, Jesus Christ here on earth. And anything we read about our savior uplifts our hearts. How many times have you read Luke, chapter 2 about the night Jesus was born? It’s a delightfully enjoyable record. And I just love that the account is recited in the show, A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Some other records that I love to read in the gospels are the accounts of the resurrection. I often try to imagine myself being there. Talk about being lifted from the depths of despair to the heights of joy!
Then we have the book, The Acts of the Apostles. Acts begins with the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. And that is followed by the record of the original outpouring of the holy spirit on the day of Pentecost. This was the first time anyone got born again. I marvel at Peter’s sermon, especially since he was behind closed doors for fear of the Jews just days before. And imagine being part of a gathering where about three thousand people got born again in one day! How exciting that must have been!
What about Paul and Silas? They were beaten and imprisoned for spreading the Word of God in Philippi. And while in prison with their feet fastened in the stocks, they prayed and sang praises unto God. Then an earthquake just happened to occur (wink wink) and freed them and they went home with the jailer and preached God’s Word to him and his family who all got born again! The next day, the magistrates sent word to let Paul and Silas go, but Paul said, “Oh no -we’re not leaving until they come get us because we’re Romans, and they beat us and put us in prison without a trial, and according to the Roman law, they should receive exactly what they gave. So let them come get us themselves.” (paraphrased) Those magistrates must have been shaking in their boots! I picture them groveling at Paul and Silas’s feet begging them to leave quietly. Paul and Silas triumphantly walked out of that prison and went to visit the believers before they left town. I bet they told their story over and over everywhere they went. I can picture everyone having a good laugh about those magistrates.
The rest of the New Testament includes the epistles or letters of Paul, Peter, John and some others. These books are filled with all the instructions we need to live the super abundant life that Jesus Christ made available to us. Not only do these letters instruct us in the way of God more perfectly, but they also tell us of all the marvelous benefits we have as sons of God. How could you not enjoy reading that you are more than a conqueror, or that you have all sufficiency in all things, or that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you? What could be more enjoyable than hearing God’s constant affirmation of His eternal love for you? Do you ever tire of reading Ephesians or the epistles of John?
Perhaps one of the most comforting sections of all is 1 Thessalonians, chapter 4 about Christ’s coming to gather us believers together unto heaven.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 – Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Reading those words is the ultimate comfort and joy!
The whole Bible is full of wonderful words that encourage us, edify us, exhort us and comfort us. They are the words of life. They are God’s words! Why not think of the Bible like your best friend. We go to our best friends in time of need for sure. But we also just talk with them about everything. We like to hear what they have to say. We respect their advice. We enjoy their company. When we enjoy the Bible, we are enjoying God’s company. We are hearing what He has to say. We’re getting God’s advice. It is indeed an enjoyable privilege!
So, don’t let your busy day rob you of one of life’s greatest pleasures – receiving words from your Heavenly Father. Open your Bible for the sheer enjoyment that It brings. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by reading God’s Word as often as you can.
Note to my readers: Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy reading your Bible. And thanks for reading my little blog too.