“I have read many books, but the Bible reads me.” Karl Barth

I read a story about a believer in Jesus from a Muslim background. This person was looking for peace in their life. They were raised in an Islamic home and country where they studied the Quran. Yet, this person still came away unsettled in their mind and heart. 

After reading the Bible, however, they felt the peace of mind they were longing to personally know. This eventually led them to a personal relationship with the Living Word of God – Jesus.

I’ve also read stories from believers who give all kinds of excuses for not reading, let alone studying, the Bible. “I don’t have time.” “It’s too hard to understand.” Thus, they rely heavily on the voices of others about the Bible, rather than on the voice of Jesus from the Bible.

The Word of God is “living and active…discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12) The Word of God is the most powerful tool to process out the garbage thoughts that steal our peace of mind and heart.

Excuses for not reading through the Bible in a systematic way will keep you from the peace you so crave. So, choose to override your excuses with a choice to do it anyway. The days in which we live demand we hear from Jesus!

As I friend of mine once said, “When you don’t want to do something you know you should do, do it anyway.”