The Greatest Self-Help Book

“This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful.”

Joshua 1:8 NRSV

Folks are always looking for ways to improve themselves. Of course, that’s a good thing, right? Don’t we all want to be a little better? But it has become quite an industry. One study estimates that $13.2 billion (yes, BILLION) will be spent on self-improvement -- audiobooks, books, apps, coaching services, and motivational speakers.*

I don’t want to knock the industry; I believe they do some good, but in all the billions spent, how many folks go to the original self-improvement book, the Bible (which you can find copies of in any Dollar Tree.). Lesson number one in this book is it’s not about self but about knowing God. Without first knowing God, we cannot honestly know ourselves.

Today’s scripture tells us before we speak, before we act, reflect on what the Bible has to say, Read it, ponder it, then reread it. Let your Spirit ruminate on it -- yes, just like a cow chewing cud. Savor the taste of the scripture. What is God’s word saying to us? What may he be asking us to do -- or not do? What should we say to encourage and build up, and when should we remain quiet?

God, we give thanks for your word. It is much more than a collection of stories. It is a living and vibrant account of your love for us. Please help us as we meditate on it and come to understand. Let your word speak to us, open our ears to listen, and act according to what is written on those sacred pages. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blessings, Pastor TIm

*Iulia-Cristina Uță Content Manager, et al. “The Self-Improvement Industry Is Estimated to Grow to $13.2 Billion by 2022.” Brand Minds, 27 June 1970, brandminds.live/the-self-improvement-industry-is-estimated-to-grow-to-13-2-billion-by-2022/