The Need for God’s Word

In today’s life in America, it seems like it’s never been more apparent than now that we need God’s Word. As of late, there seems to be this influx in moral issues that become huge topics of discussion and points of contention between people in our great and wonderful country. Despite all of that, some recent studies by the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture have shown some very interesting information.

Take all this in with a grain of salt, and remember that sometimes these surveys are conducted on a specific group of people. That said, this data is still very interesting…

• Almost 80% of participants believe the Bible is inspired by God
• Of that 80% there is a 50/50 split of those who read any form of scripture and those who did not
  • Women outnumbered men
  • Older people outnumbered younger people
  • The Southern region of the U.S. outnumbered every other region
• Among those who read any form of scripture, 95% read the Bible
• Most people read monthly, and almost 9% of those interviewed read daily
• The King James Version is the top choice by a wide margin
• Over 50% of those who read memorized passages in that time, and almost 2/3 of congregations hold events for children to memorize verses
• All told this means that 48% of Americans (those surveyed) read the Bible at some point in the last year

While 80% of people believe the Bible is inspired by God, only 48% of people actually read their Bibles at some point last year. We as people need to understand the need for God’s Word, and one great place to look at is Psalms 119:105-112

Psalm 119:105-108 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp to my feet

And a light to my path.

¹⁰⁶ I have sworn and confirmed

That I will keep Your righteous judgments.

¹⁰⁷ I am afflicted very much;

Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.

¹⁰⁸ Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord,

And teach me Your judgments.

As God’s people, we live our lives in a world that is darkened by sin. God’s Word will light our path and keep us from stumbling and falling, and it won’t be anything supernatural or miraculous. We have to commit ourselves to God’s Word and allow God to direct our paths. Even David, the author of Psalms, needed revival, as God’s people do sometimes today. We have problems, we have issues, we have our own trials and our own tribulations. God’s Word provides the remedy, although sometimes that may be a bitter pill to swallow.

Psalm 119:109-110 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰⁹ My life is continually in my hand,

Yet I do not forget Your law.

¹¹⁰ The wicked have laid a snare for me,

Yet I have not strayed from Your precepts.

God’s Word is there for us when hard conditions come up. It can calm our fears, it counsels us when trouble arises, and it can reveal the traps and snared that our laid by those who would seek to destroy us. God has promised never to leave or forsake us, and by giving us His Word, He has fulfilled that promise.

Psalm 119:111-112 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹¹¹ Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever,

For they are the rejoicing of my heart.

¹¹² I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes

Forever, to the very end.

God’s Word brings great joy. It tells us what will be waiting for those who strive to know God and do His will. God’s Word will abide forever, and we can always have it as a source of comfort and guidance. If we remain faithful to it, the Word will keep us focused on the great reward that lies ahead.

Let us continue to always be diligent students of God’s Word.