Why You Need to Bring Your Bible With You

I wrote this post a while ago and then deleted it because I wasn't consistently practicing the strategy that I was going talk about, but then I started back up again and I realized how important it is. In the past week or so, I've noticed God working in my heart in such big ways, and suddenly the fruit of the Spirit has been sprouting in areas of my life I had previously been struggling. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has been discouraged by feeling stagnant in my faith or relationship with God, and this one small change has made such an impact, and I know it will make an impact in your life too.

I've started bringing my Bible with me. To the living room while we all hang out, to the car, everywhere.

Yes, that small change has made the biggest difference.

Instead of scrolling on my phone, I reach over and read the Word of life. When I feel overwhelmed or frustrated or impatient, I read Scripture, regain my composure, and appraoch the situation in a Christ-led way. Instead of wallowing in my own thoughts, boredom, or laziness, my Bible encourages and refreshes me. And when I'm at work or don't have my Bible with me, I have more self control, patience, and peace, because I have been rooted, firm and secure, in the Word of God.

For a long time, I would pray that God would help me be as engaged and aware with Him outside of my Bible study as I was during it, but I think I really overcomplicated it. I didn't need fancy solutions, I just needed more of Jesus - and we find more of Jesus in His Word. I prayed that I would become more of a godly woman, preparing to be the kind of mother and wife God intended me to be. I prayed that the fruit of the Spirit would be more evident in my life, in my home and at work and in my relationships. I didn't need to try harder - I needed to be in Scripture more.

And you don't even have to do lengthy, in depth Bible studies to see growth, either. When I take my Bible with me, I usually read Psalms or Proverbs, and use the Enduring Word Commentary if I need clarificiation. If there's something specific bothering me, like anger or impatience, I'll read Scripture that speaks specifically about that. It's as simple as getting the Word in my heart and mind, and the more that I do that, the more I allow the Holy Spirit to transform me from the inside out.

Also, the excuse of not having time doesn't work. If you have time to be on your phone (and we all know that our screen times are way too high), then you have time to be in Scripture. While it takes some self control at first, it becomes increasingly more natural to replace scrolling with our Bibles....and you'll even find that you begin longing for Scripture more than your phone.

Jesus is always the answer. Scripture is always the answer. For our anxiety, for our bad habits, for our lack of discipline, for our bitter heart, all of it and more - we need the Word of God. I'm not promising that you'll change overnight, but I will say with confidence that over time, with consistency, you will notice the Holy Spirit molding you to live and respond more like Christ.

Friends, take your Bible with you. Your physical, real Bible - and a pen, if you like writing in it. Read Scripture as much as you can, whenever you can, because it will impact you in the best ways, and draw you closer to God throughout the day like we so desperately need.