By Guest Writer Raquel Tonn2018 was coming to an end, and we all know the annual topic of the “New Year’s Resolutions.” Part of me loves it because it’s an opportunity for a fresh start and to challenge yourself in an area of your life that you want to improve in. Another part of me dreads this time because there is so much pressure!
What am I going to commit an entire year of my life to? What if I fail?
While I was asking myself these questions, I decided I wanted to read the Bible every day for an entire year. Growing up as a Christian, I read my Bible often, but I never made it a daily habit. I wanted that to change. I knew it was a book that was worth reading and I knew that it held so much value. As a Christ follower, I believe my relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship I have, so I devoted 2019 to prioritizing it and diving into God’s word. And I am SO happy that I did.
I kept it simple and just read one chapter a day, sometimes more if I had more time. I began reading in Genesis and plan on continuing to Revelation. Sticking to it was not always easy. It’s a choice and I had to choose to make reading my Bible a priority. If I was on vacation, I brought my Bible with me. If I got home from somewhere at 2am and had to wake up early, I still read before going to sleep. If I was falling asleep, I got up and did some jumping jacks to wake up. Whatever it was, I decided for myself there was no excuse too big to “get out of it.” I realized my flesh didn’t always want to read and would use any situation as an excuse, but reading the Word was always what my spirit needed and desired.
Reading the Old Testament most of the year has been an interesting experience as well. There are so many traits of God that I am learning. I’ve enjoyed reading about the journey the Israelites went on, the formation of the Tribes of Israel, and all the different Kings that ruled the nations. I am reminded of God’s faithfulness time and time again. Every once in a while, I will get to a story I heard in Sunday School and see where it fits into the timeline of the Bible. Don’t get me wrong, there have been many dry parts of the Old Testament, but my favourite part about reading through it in its entirety is seeing moments foreshadowing the coming of Jesus and seeing God at work through it all. Jesus tells us that the Old Testament points us to Him (John 5:39, Luke 2:27).
There are two tips that I’ve been told regarding the Bible that I have found to be so important. Here they are:
Stay humble
It can be easy to start reading God’s Word with our guards up and immediately get defensive when we hear something that is controversial or challenges us. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” When we humble ourselves and recognize that we don’t have all the answers, it allows God to teach us and correct our mindset to be more aligned with His. The Bible has the ability teach us so many things about life and God’s character if we are willing to humbly accept corrective capabilities. It’s one way we get to submit ourselves to the Lord and it’s truly a form of worship. It’s choosing to walk in the spirit instead of our flesh. It’s allowing the Word to transform your life through God’s pruning process (John 15:1-4). It is laying down our pride and saying “God, have your way and lead me in your truth.” Allow the Bible to transform you instead of thinking you are above the authority of Scripture.
2. You are not going to understand everything
Straight up. There will be times when you read something in the Bible and go “huh?” But to me, there is so much beauty in that. Coming across something you don’t understand allows us to lean into God more. It gives us an opportunity to ask Him for clarity and guidance. It also gives us the opportunity to search for answers from wise friends, pastors, or Bible commentaries where you might end up discovering something about God that you didn’t even mean to. Our questions about the Bible can be gateways to the best conversations that nourish our souls and bring us closer to the people in our lives. We don’t have to be afraid of the things we don’t understand in the Bible but instead, we can allow it to draw us closer to God and our friends and family.
I thank God for His patience and grace with me as I navigate His word and life through trial and error. He really is the most patient Father, revealing his truth and grace to me in His perfect timing. There’s a lyric from a song that I really like that says, “I’m not perfect so I thank God every day.” I love how relevant this is for me and I think most people can relate too. It reminds me how much I need Jesus in my life and the continual grace He offers me. I am continuing my habit of reading scripture daily for 2020 and don’t plan on quitting any year soon. I am learning so much about the Character of God and I encourage you to join along with me in reading the Bible everyday if you don’t already. I promise you won’t regret it.
Raquel is currently in her 4th year at the University of Alberta in the DentalHygiene program. She is engaged to be married in June 2020 and is excited to step into this new season of life. She enjoys serving at Hope City Church as a youth leader for grade 10 girls. Throughout the year you’ll find her skiing in the mountains, at the lake, and always surrounded by family and friends.
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