The hymn and phrase “Give Me the Bible” expresses a mindset that should be present in the hearts of those who want to please God. The beauty and profitability of God’s Word is remarkable. Such a blessing should cause a reaction similar to that in Psalm 119. Verse 97: Oh, how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. Verse 103: How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Verse 105: Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
It is amazing how many problems mankind faces that have already been solved by God, with the solutions revealed to us in His Word.
The Bible teaches us how the world was created (Gen. 1:1), how mankind came to be (Gen. 2:7-25), and why we are here (cf. Ecc. 12:13).
The Bible informs us why we are doomed without Jesus (Rom. 3:23), but how can be saved through God’s mercy (Rom. 6:23). It tells us how to become a child of God (Rom. 6:3-6; Gal. 3:26-27) and how to be pleasing to Him after we do (1 Jn. 5:3).
God’s Word tells us how to develop character that will encourage righteous actions. The Bible teaches us how to be loving and humble (cf. Jn. 15:12-13; Phil. 2:3-8), kind (Jas. 3:13; Rom. 12:10), holy and pure (1 Pet. 2:9-12), faithful (2 Cor. 4:16-5:7), fervent (Rev. 3:15-19), honest (Col. 3:9), patient (Ps. 37:7), compassionate (Matt. 9:35-37), joyful (Phil. 4:4), and much more (cf. Gal. 5:22; Col. 3:12-15; 2 Pet. 1:5-8).
The Bible teaches us how to be good spouses (Eph. 5:22-33), how to be godly parents (Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4) and how to be godly children (Eph. 6:1-3). It instructs us how to move on from our past (Phil. 3:13-14), please God in the present (cf. Mk. 12:30-31), and look forward to the future (Heb. 6:19). The Bible tells us what activities to cling to and what to abstain from (Rom. 12:9; 2 Tim. 2:22). It gives sound meaning to our work (Eph. 4:28; Eph. 6:7). It teaches us why and how to pray (cf. 1 Tim. 2:1-4), teach (2 Tim. 2:2), give (2 Cor. 9:6-15), and worship through song (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).
The Bible tells of the church at the universal (Acts 2:47b) and local level (Rom. 16:16). It instructs regarding the organization and work of the local church (cf. 1 Tim. 3).
The Bible teaches us about God, and how to draw near to Him. It shows us right speech, thoughts, and actions. It makes us “thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:17). It is able to build us up (Acts 20:32) and make us wise (cf. 2 Tim. 3:15).
There are many who desire wisdom, faith, joy, hope, peace, and assurance. There are many who desire to be good spouses, parents, and workers. There are many who desire to have the character the Bible produces in the hearts of sincere hearers. There are many religious people who want to be pleasing to God.
Yet, the source of knowledge for these things is often neglected. Those who long for the outcomes produced by God’s Word must first long for the Word.
May the words “Give Me the Bible” not only be sung sincerely, but be sincerely considered at all times. May we, like the Psalmist proclaim “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” God has done His part in supplying us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3). May we appreciate this, and truly long for His Word, studying, meditating, and speaking of it frequently (cf. Ps. 1:2).
– Michael Hickox