Read the Bible, a Simple Resolution That Will Change Your Life!

Happy new year! Did the resolutions you made last year come true as you planned? Or did you not make any resolutions at all? 

Many people hesitate or feel lazy to make resolutions because of failures in the past. But what if there were one resolution secret that could change your whole life? Surely it is worth trying, isn't it?

That resolution is reading the Bible in a consistentway, that is, every day. Let us look more deeply into this resolution and discover effective ways to achieve it.

Reading the Bible Improves Quality of Life

Did you know that reading, studying, and applying God's word can improve the quality of life, physically, mentally, and spiritually? Emotional pressure caused by stress can trigger psychosomatic disorders, meaning declining health due to mental burdens. Yet in the Bible, we can find:

• comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4),
• strength (Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12),
• wisdom (2 Timothy 3:15, Psalms 119:130),
• peace and joy (Romans 15:13),
• relief (Matthew 11:28-29, Jeremiah 29:11)
• hope (Isaiah 40:29-31, Proverbs 23:18),
• God's promises (Romans 10:9, Isaiah 54:10, 2 Peter 1:4), 
• and His love (John 3:16, Romans 8:37-39). 

When you believe it, there is no longer any reason to worry, fear, or be stressed. The body can then build its natural defenses against various diseases.

When the cares of my heart are many, Your comforts delight my soul. – Psalm 94:19

The Bible is also a perfect guide for life. Who knows what is best for us better than the One who created life itself? There are various teachings (2 Timothy 3:16), instructions, examples, and precious guidance from God (Psalm 119:105) in the Bible. God's word also teaches us how to respond rightly, have healthy relationships, and become good people. Imagine the effect if more and more people read the Bible!

Not only that, the Bible is the best way to know who God is. What is His character like? What things please and grieve His heart? What are His plans for humanity? Come, know our Father, Friend, and Creator more closely through His word.

I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit within you; I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you an obedient heart. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to live according to My decrees and to keep My rules and do them. – Ezekiel 36:26-27

How to Be Consistent in Reading the Bible 

Starting the habit of reading the Bible every day is not easy, but it is very possible. Try some of the practical steps below:

1. Start with Simple Steps

There is nothing wrong with a goal like finishing the entire New Testament reading in one month. However, creating a new habit should begin with simple steps. Small, consistent steps are more powerful than big steps, which carry a greater risk of failure. You will also become more encouraged when you succeed in doing it. Set a simple target such as reading one chapter each day, or reading the Bible for half an hour every day.

2. Make a Schedule

The human body works best with a system. The same is true of lifestyle patterns; make Bible reading part of your new routine. Set the same time and place each day to do it. For example, seven o'clock in the morning in a corner of your bedroom. Over time, your body will remember that routine and doing it will feel easier and easier.

3. Remove All Distractions

Is your attention easily stolen by phone notifications or other people's conversations? Not only at work, but when reading the Bible, we also need to keep away from things that could become distractions. For example, look for a quiet room and put your phone in another room. Or you can read the Bible in the morning while everyone else in the house is still asleep.

4. Make Quiet Time Enjoyable

The Bible is often labeled boring and hard to understand. Be creative and turn that moment into something enjoyable! Make your Bible reading time something you look forward to all day. For example, if you like to sing, try singing a praise song before or after reading. If you like drawing or writing, draw or write down what you read that day. The following inspirations can help keep your quiet time engaging and meaningful.

5. Tell Someone or Invite Someone to Read Together

Having a friend who always makes sure you hold to your commitment will keep you motivated to read the Bible and not easily abandon your resolution halfway through. Challenge yourself and find someone who can help you do it.

6. Pray for That Resolution

Do not rely only on yourself and other people, but involve God in your resolution. After all, this resolution is meant to help you know Him more deeply. Surely God will support and bless your efforts.

7. Do Not Give Up!

It does not matter if you neglect it or fail to do it once or several times, as long as you do not stop. There is a whole year to make the resolution happen. Do not give up easily. Keep trying and praying.

A better life and knowing God are things worth pursuing throughout the year. If many people have succeeded in doing it, you surely can too. Stay encouraged, and start planning your resolution right now. All the best!

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References:
www.crosswalk.com/faith/men/the-one-new-year-s-resolution-that-will-improve-your-whole-life.html
www.sparklesofsunshine.com/tipstodevelopingabiblereadingroutine/
id.theasianparent.com/gangguan-psikosomatis

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