Many people own a copy of the Bible but find it difficult to read. One reason is that the Bible is a very big book and it’s not easy to know where to start reading. The Bible is divided into two parts – the Old Testament and the New Testament. God speaks to us through every part of the Bible. If you want to know more about Jesus, then it’s best to start with the New Testament and the 4 Gospels which tell us about everything Jesus said and did. Reading the Gospels brings us face to face with Jesus, God’s eternal Son, and his amazing ministry and teaching. If you haven’t got a Bible, you can download a free copy on your phone or tablet through the YouVersion Bible App.
In the Old Testament the book of Psalms is a very helpful book to read. It’s easy to find, just open your Bible in the middle and you will find the Psalms. The book is the songbook of God’s people. The Psalms express every emotion of the human heart and remind us of God’s love and power. Christians find particular psalms especially helpful and turn to them time and time again to find encouragement and strength.
Psalm 121 is favourite psalm of many Christians where the psalmist writes, “I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” This psalm was especially used at times of pilgrimage when God’s people were going to Jerusalem for one of the great annual feasts. The people knew they needed help but the hills through which they passed were unmoved by their heartbreak and struggles. So, they looked to the One who made the hills and the whole of universe to help them. The Lord was their God, and they were confident he would help them.
The psalmist then remembers how God always watches over him, guides and keeps him, “He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” How comforting these words are when we are struggling and need someone to help us, who will watch over us, stand beside us and always keep us safe!