Nutrition is so important to us physically, especially as those who are chronically ill. It is vital to keep us as healthy as we can be. In the same way, Scripture is vital for us to stay healthy spiritually.

One thing that I have been determined to do this year is to saturate in Scripture by listening to it daily, working through the Psalms and Proverbs each month, and memorizing Scripture, a passage a week. Whew, you say, that is a lot. Yes, it is.

What I am finding, however, is that it is vital for my spiritual (and mental) health. Distraction from what is most important comes so easily in our current time. There are so many voices coming at us. Yet, compared to God’s Word, they are junk food.

Psalm 19:7-11 is a wonderful Scripture about the Word of God and all that it does for us, “⁷ The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. ⁸ The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. ⁹ The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. ¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. ¹¹ Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.”

Psalm 119:11 and 105 are two verses that I memorized as a child that show the importance of Scripture:

“¹¹ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

“¹⁰⁵ Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

His Word keeps us from sin and guides and directs us.

Practical tips for spending more time in Scripture:

• Prioritize it by setting aside time for it each day.
• Listen to Scripture as you go about your day. Youversion (Bible App) and BibleGateway are just two places where you can do this for free.
• Memorization Apps. VerseLocker and Fighter Verses are two apps that are helpful. Start small and work up to it. Also, if you struggle with memorization, reading the Scripture over and over each day will assist in committing it to heart even if you can’t rotely repeat it back.
• Prayer Bible.
• Bible-reading plan. I suggest this one with a slight bit of caution. I know many will read the Bible through in a year or work another similar plan. My caution is to not let the plan dictate how much you read, but allow the Holy Spirit to work in your heart. Bible reading plans are great because they can help keep us on track. However, they can also become just something to check off your to do list.

His Word is so important. It is our spiritual food. However you do it, I encourage you to spend more time in His Word! You will be amazed what a difference it makes in your life. Then, we can say with Jeremiah…

Jeremiah 15:16, “¹⁶ Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.”