Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth
When you are looking for answers…
Have you ever had a day that feels like Every. Single. Second. is a test? A test of patience, a test of faith, a test of hope. I’ve been having one of those days, several times a week for the last several years. Can you relate?
It’s exhausting! Not only that, I’ve come to realize it’s 100% unnecessary.
You see, we were all given a handbook to help us move through this life. It’s a set of instructions to help us live peaceful, happy, healthy, grateful lives. It’s a refuge of answers.
This book isn’t a secret; given to some, but hidden from others. All you have to do is march your little self into a bookstore and it’s right there. Of course, you can even get techy about it; download an app or go to a website (there are many and in many languages).
What is the name of this handbook that contains the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth?
The Bible!
I know, I know, big book! And the idea of starting at page 1 is overwhelming. I can see you rolling your eyes and sighing, thinking it would take forever to read it.
So, don’t start at page one.
The Bible isn’t one long book. It’s a bunch of small books between the same covers. Where you start depends on what you need right now. But, I’m not saying don’t ever read the whole Bible. Sheesh!
To be honest, I have read the Bible (a long, long time ago), though not from page 1. Years and years of catholic school will make sure you read it, albeit in a scattered method. So, I’m starting over.
You can Google the individual books of the Bible and get an overview to figure out where you want to start. For me, it’s going to be the Gospel of Matthew, Psalms and Proverbs.
Sermon on the Mount
I’m starting with the Gospel of Matthew because it contains the Sermon on the Mount. It’s the only place in the Bible that does. I’ve read the Sermon on the Mount described/ summarized as Jesus’s instructions to live a fulfilled life in Christ. I want that! I think the only way I’ll know that I get it is by reading it over and over until I feel it.
I wonder what it was like to have been one of those who sat in front of Christ and listened to his words. I hope it was the way I imagined it to be; so much passion and certainty in his voice, feeling such unconditional love coming from Him.
Psalms and Proverbs
Even though you can find many different articles and posts on the differences between Psalms and Proverbs, they all basically boil down to the same explanation. Psalms is about the human heart worshiping God. Proverbs are wisdom for our daily lives.
Now, there are 31 proverbs. Just one proverb a day and you can read them all in a month. On the other hand, there are 150 psalms. That could take a bit of time, but that’s okay; the Bible isn’t a race. It’s nothing for you to speed through and finish before someone else. I’m quite sure you would miss out on a lot of it if you did.
The Bible Your Way
Honestly, I don’t believe there is a correct way or order in which to read the Bible. If there is, no one told me about it and I probably wouldn’t listen to them anyway.
Let the Bible be a journey. Just jump in somewhere and start. Be involved in what you are reading and pay attention to how the words and stories make you feel in your heart, mind and soul. Close your eyes, ask God a question, then open the book and let your journey begin.