Do you love to read? Why do you read? What do you read? When we love something and it becomes a part of our life it can take over and consume us if we are not careful. Life is about balance and loving our books should be no different. That being said, books can open so many doors to us and give us an education like no other. So why read?
Reading Expands Our Mind
When we open a book we open a pathway of learning in our brain. The learning may be full of blessings, godliness and teachings of great things or it may be teachings that harm our very self. Reading, like any hobby, habit or activity needs to be done with keeping in mind what we are learning and what will we do with the things we read. Proverbs 1:5 reminds us, “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:” If you can line your reading up with God’s Word then you know it’s a good expansion of your mind.
Reading Encourages Our Body
What do I mean by this? When we read, it relaxes our whole self and helps our body to rest and rejuvenate. Reading can lower our heart rate and release the tension in our muscles. Yes, this happens as we immerse ourselves in the world of the book we are reading. As we read and relax this helps our bodies prepare for the day’s path we are walking. The best book to read to help in this area is God’s Word. Psalm 49:3 says, “My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.” Use the truths of God’s Word to meditate on and encourage your body to good health by reading.
Reading Establishes Our Soul
The word “establish” means “to set and fix firmly” (1828 Webster’s Dictionary). How can we fix our soul? How do we set it up to live in hope and peace? Reading can help with this if we dwell on godly things. Establish your soul first in the knowledge that you are a sinner, confession of your sins and recognition that the only hope of eternal security rests in Christ. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
When we have this settled then we can keep our hearts fixed firmly on God, yes, even by reading. When I’m reading even an historical novel it can turn my heart towards God. Like the quote above is a quote I read recently from a great World War II book. See how potent this quote is? Reading can bless our soul when done within the boundaries of His Word. Establishing our souls through the books we read.
Reading for our mind, bodies and souls has so many benefits and is an honorable pastime and one we should instill in our children. May today be one of enhancing your mind, encouraging your body and establishing your soul. In doing this our foundation will be in Him! Listen to one of my all time favorite songs and be established in your soul!
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