If you’ve been following my blog for more than a few weeks, you’ve likely seen a “Recent Reads” post, in which I highlight a few books I’ve recently read and found worthwhile, summarizing the plot/theme, why I read it, and why I recommend it. Rather than recommending novels or history this time, I’d thought I’d briefly review a few of my favorite books of the Bible and why those have been impactful. (And now for the obligatory disclaimer: all Scripture is inspired by God; all Scripture is important; and as the Bible tells a single story of redemption, we wouldn’t have a complete picture if we excised any book or books. More on that in a future post. I’m not recommending that one only read the books that follow, but simply stating that these have been more impactful to me personally than others.)
Psalms: to quote Courtney Resissig’s How Should Christians Feel? (as quoted by Sarah Keene of Fieldstone Counseling in a recent seminar), “In the Psalms, I found language for my distress. But I also found language for God: seeing him for who he is, I was able to verbalize my trust.” These words succinctly describe my experience as well: when I was distressed and unable to attach words to my emotions, I found those words in the Psalms. Attaching language to emotions concretizes them, makes them more real, thus enabling us to process them and deal with them. Particularly favorite chapters: 27, 71, 66, and 119.
Hebrews: I really think the book of Hebrews is underrated. Maybe it’s the lack of agreement on authorship, but it really isn’t known nearly well enough. Hebrews was my first major memorization project as an adult, so that’s one reason I love it. Too, I grew up in the church, in Sunday School, doing daily devotions (as a chore, not by choice) from the age of 7. I realize this is a problem with my own heart (which was unregenerated, I believe, until I was in college), but in my case this familiarity, especially with the Gospels, bred apathy. I knew ALL the stories of Jesus’ life, and had long since lost any awe of Him. Hebrews, though, shone a spotlight on Jesus in a new way. Really, it gave me back my awe and wonder for the person of our Lord Jesus Christ and all that He is. Particularly favorite chapters/portions: 1:3, 2:14-18, 4:11-16 , 6:17-20 (and a whole host of others).
Galatians 5 / 1 John: We’re told repeatedly throughout the book of 1 John that it was written so that John’s readers would know that they had eternal life. The flip side of that is that it may demonstrate clearly that one does NOT have eternal life. That’s what it did for me. Galatians 5, in a similar fashion, with its clear description of the works of the flesh juxtapositioned with the fruit of the Spirit, affirmed my need for salvation. I don’t typically hold much fondness for things that so clearly highlight my shortcomings, but these passages are different. Particularly favorite chapters/portions: Gal 5:1,22-23.
1 Peter: I no longer recall why I chose 1 Peter as my follow-up memorization to Hebrews. I really wasn’t very familiar with the book at all when I did that, but I don’t think it’s possible to completely memorize any book and not come away with a new appreciation for it. Among other things, the verses on utilizing spiritual gifts made a practical difference in what I do with my time and energy, and Peter’s exhortation to the elders gave me a new appreciation for those who fill that role. Favorite chapters/portions: 4:7-11, 5:1-4.
So there you have it: 4 books (of the Bible) for which I hold particular affinity. If any of these books or highlighted portions strike a chord with you as well, or if a completely different book/passage comes to mind, I’d love to know why!
My favorite is one of the earliest scriptures that I remember. I went to many funerals as a child in West Virginia and in everyone Psalm 23, in the KJV, was always read. I was a teenager before the meaning of this Psalm started to penetrate my thick skull. I learned that I can relate to it and feel comfort in it no matter what I am going through. Whether I am feeling sad from the death of a loved one or just need a reassurance of Gods’ love and watchfulness over me, this Psalm carries me through. I agree that it is just a small part of Gods’ love that He shows in His Word. Thank you for sharing which parts are special to you.