I enjoy reading and studying the Bible, and it’s something we should all do. When we read the Bible, we should approach it expecting the Holy Spirit to speak to us. However, I was reminded today of the times when all I could do was go to the Bible to be comforted, and studying it was the last thing I wanted to do.

In the book of Nehemiah, there’s a verse you might know. At least the last part of it.

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (emphasis added).”

Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

The joy referred to in this verse is our joy. The joy we have from remembering the Lord. When we remember the Lord, we find strength in him. In those times when I didn’t feel like studying the Bible, even reading it was hard. I’d be still and just listen to it and allow the peace of God to wash over me.

There are many audio versions of the Bible you can listen to. If you read one of the more popular Bible translations, from the King James, NIV, and ESV to the NLT or the NASB, there’s an audio version available. My Bible app of choice is YouVersion, and it has all of these versions and more with audio. Others, like the NKJV, can be found for free on the web.

If you might be wondering what the Bible says about taking comfort in God’s word, here are some verses on that.

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7 (NIV)

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2 (NIV)

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall. Isaiah 25:4 (NIV)

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 (NIV)

Of course, one of my favorites is this one from Romans.

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

Romans 10:17 (NIV)

I will often put on Christian praise and worship music to lift my spirit or just change the room’s atmosphere. Yet I wonder if the music that edifies the Lord can bring about such a quick change in my soul and change the atmosphere, how much more the living word of God? Some food for thought, I suppose.

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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