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 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. Eccl. 12:13; Rev. 4:11).
The Bible informs us why we are doomed without Jesus (Rom. 3:23), but how can be saved through God’s grace (Rom. 6:23). It tells us how to become a child of God (cf. Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27) and how to be pleasing to Him after we do.
God’s Word tells us how to develop a godly character. The Bible teaches us how to be loving and humble (cf. Phil. 2:3-8), kind (cf. Rom. 12:10), holy and pure (cf. 1 Pet. 2:9-12), zealous (Rev. 3:15-19), honest (Col. 3:9), patient (Gal. 6:9), compassionate (Col. 3:12), 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 (cf. Eph. 5:22-33), how to be godly parents (cf. Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4) and godly children (cf. Eph. 6:1-3).
It instructs us how to move on from our past (cf. Phil. 3:13-14), please God in the present, and look forward to the future (cf. Heb. 6:19).
The Bible tells us what activities to cling to and what to shun (cf. Rom. 12:9; 2 Tim. 2:22). It teaches us why and how to pray, study, and teach. The Bible speaks of the church at the universal (Matt. 16:18) and local level (Rom. 16:16), and explains the collective work the church.
The Bible teaches us about God and His character. It teaches us what we need to know about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The Bible is able to make us “thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:17).
There are many who want to know about God. There are many who desire wisdom, faith, joy, hope, and peace. There are many who desire to be good spouses and parents. 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 perfect source of wisdom for these things is often neglected. Those who long for the outcomes produced by the Bible should long for the Bible itself (1 Pet. 2:2).
May the words “Give Me the Bible” not only be sung sincerely, but be sincerely considered throughout life.
God has done His part in supplying us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3). The Creator of this universe has spoken to us through His inspired Word.
May each of us appreciate this, and truly long for His Word, studying it, meditating on it, and putting into practice those things God requires of us (Jas. 1:21-25).
– Michael Hickox