Why we should keep reading the Bible

As for man, his days are like grass;

he flourishes like a flower of the field;

for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,

and its place knows it no more.

But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,

and his righteousness to children's children... (Psalm 103:15–17)

I’ll be honest. I struggle immensely with identity and the need to be safe.

When I’m at work I obsess over whether I am providing enough for the family. Do we have enough emergency savings? What’s my plan if this pandemic gets truly ugly? Should I also start stocking up on supplies?

When I’m at home I obsess over how the campus ministry will survive with no public meetings. Are students still staying in their fight against sin or have some given up? How many are struggling with intense isolation and loneliness? Who among the group is drifting further from God?

All these feelings and thoughts threaten to overwhelm me even on my best days. Like a barbeque that has gone cold, nothing seems to happen no matter how many times I poke and prod at the coal. Was my faith ever sizzling hot or did I merely imagine it? Maybe I’m not a real Christian.

Our circumstances are all different and unique, but the struggle is the same. How can we combat the short-sightedness of our heart’s desire and insecurity? The answer is to keep reading the Bible.

In psalm 103:15-17, we are reminded of who we are. Do you feel powerless and insignificant? The Bible reminds us that our days are like grass. It’s true. What would all our best accomplishments be in the grand scheme of things? We could become self-made billionaires through hard work and diligence, but still be powerless when death comes knocking. We could fill our lives with beauty and pleasure – a brand new car, fine dining, first class travel – but inevitably the plane always has to land, and we find ourselves empty again until the next experience. We flourish like a flower in the field. Here today and possibly gone tomorrow.

Why put yourself through all of that when in reality we have everything we need and even dare to hope for? The Bible reminds us of what we have. We have the steadfast love of God. A treasure that does not decay nor can be ravaged by time. It is from everlasting to everlasting.

So whenever we feel doubt and insecurity start to creep back into our hearts, consider that the one who created the universe loves us with a steadfast and everlasting love. As Jesus said, if even sinful people like us know to give good gifts to our children, how much more would God give to us whom He loves? Read Psalm 103 today and ask God to remind you of what you have.