SARAH IVILL|CONTRIBUTOR

There is no other time of year that Bible reading plans are more recommended than the month of January. With the new year, we are encouraged to begin new routines that will bring new growth, especially spiritual growth. But oftentimes the focus is on the logistics of the plan. For example, you can choose a chronological plan, a New Testament plan, the Robert Murray M’Cheyne Bible plan, the 52 week Bible reading plan, or the 5 day Bible reading program, among several others. Plans are good because they ensure we read the whole counsel of God, not just a few parts here and there, which inevitably leads to skewed doctrine. But instead of focusing on the different kinds of plans, I want to focus on the overall benefits of a Bible reading plan. In other words, why bother to choose a plan at all? Let me suggest eight reasons.

First, God’s Word “is perfect, reviving the soul” (Ps. 19:7a). We don’t have to look any further for refreshment as we walk in the wilderness of this world. Scripture is our sole sustenance. If we don’t daily revive our soul in Scripture, we will begin to wilt spiritually.

Second, “the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” (Ps. 19:7b). We don’t have to have the highest level of education and see the top-rated counselor. God’s Word is our steady and sure guide through each situation we encounter on any given day.

Third, “the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart” (Ps. 19:8a). Our hearts are often steeped in suffering on this side of glory, but God’s Word makes straight paths for our feet in the midst of it. Our heart can continually rejoice in His precepts and promises.

Fourth, the Bible “is pure, enlightening the eyes” (Ps. 19:8b). In a world that wants to turn our eyes to worthless things, Scripture gives us an alternative. It opens our eyes to see clearly, so that we will strive for holiness.

Fifth, God’s word “is clean, enduring forever” (Ps. 19:9a). In the wake of sin, you can’t scrub yourself hard enough to get clean. But Scripture tells us how we can be cleansed from our sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Sixth, the Scriptures “are true, and righteous altogether” (Ps. 19:9b). In a world that promotes lies, it is a comfort to know Scripture contains absolute truth. Such truth tastes better than honey and trumps the treasures of this world (v. 10). Revelation is not to be ignored, but stored in our hearts. The two roads from which we choose, the way of the righteous or the way of the rebellious, have different ends. The way of the rebellious ends in eternal separation from the Creator and Redeemer; the way of the righteous ends in eternal communion with him (v. 11).

Seventh, Scripture is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). We make errors that we cannot discern (Ps. 19:12a). We have hidden faults in the recesses of our hearts that we have never acknowledged (v. 12b). And we need God to restrain us from “presumptuous sins” (v. 13). Thankfully, “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword; piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).

Eighth, the Bible reveals the person and work of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:27, 44-47). Christ is the Word that became flesh and dwelt among mankind to reveal God’s glory (John 1:14). He is perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true, and our greatest treasure. As those who are united to the living Word by faith, we are to give great time and attention to the written Word. We cannot walk the road of righteousness apart from it. It will revive us on the journey. It will give us wisdom in great peril. It will rejoice our hearts in times of suffering. It will enlighten our eyes in the midst of temptation. It will be our constant companion in life. And it will keep us immersed in right thinking, so that we don’t succumb to the sweets of this world, but stay steadfast in the sweetness of Scripture that showcases our Savior.

So whatever Bible reading plan you might choose, be sure to spend this year reading God’s word. It is life for your soul.

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