Today’s world can seem out of control, and so many people crave peace in the midst of the storms. The good news is that the Good News is as alive as it ever has been in the pages of the Holy Bible. And a new study reveals that people who read the Bible feel much less stressed compared to people who do not regularly open and learn from God’s Word.
Let’s take a look at the study, and see how it affirms what Scripture-loving Christians have known all along.
Study Details and Results
YouVersion is a Bible app for mobile phones and tablets that has become quite popular, and the people who run that organization completed a survey of some users. The fascinating results indicated that the Bible readers had less stress than people who were part of the “Stress in America” study, which was completed by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Here are more specific details and statistics, courtesy of a YouVersion press release:
APA survey: 59 percent of respondents said terrorism is a very or somewhat significant source of stress, and 57 percent said the current political climate is very or somewhat stressful for them.
YouVersion readers: 18 percent said terrorism is the current event that causes them the most stress, and 16 percent said the political climate is the aspect of current events that is most stressful personally.
Of the people in the YouVersion study, 30 percent said Bible reading before stressful circumstances and events helps them get through the challenges, and 41 percent said they find help and comfort by reading the Bible at the time that is stressful.
Bobby Gruenewald, the creator of YouVersion, says he can explain why reading the Bible is able to reduce people’s stress.
“The Bible withstands the test of time,” he says, adding it addresses the variety of challenges that people from all walks of life encounter throughout each day. Gruenewald also said that it is easy and accessible to open and read the Bible anytime and anywhere, thanks to technology and tools like YouVersion.
“People are opening and engaging with [the Bible] throughout the course of their daily life, no matter where they find themselves,” he continued.
Verses to Remember
Are the verses in the Bible that discuss stress and relaxation the only ones that bring a sense of calm? No, just simply reading the Bible, whatever the topic and section, brings comfort and ease. But certain verses are especially encouraging. Here are several of those:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28-30
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” — John 14:27
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” — Psalm 94:19
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7
Get Started Today
If you are not already reading the Bible regularly, now is a great time to start. Read either via a mobile app like YouVersion, or the other apps available for mobile devices. You can also read an online version of scripture like BibleGateway.org, which includes wonderful features like many translations, including NIV, KJV, NASB and more. It even has audio recordings of the scriptures read by professionals. Then there are Bible DVDs and of course the traditional way of reading the Bible in a paper book.
Where do you start? Don’t let reading the Bible become overwhelming. Simply start somewhere, which could be at the beginning of the Old Testament, New Testament, Proverbs or Psalms. Try reading one Proverb and one Psalm per day, or start reading the Book of John. As you get more into reading the Bible, you will find answers for everyday life. And yes, you will likely experience a calm amidst life’s storms.
Whatever you do, just get started. Enjoy the wisdom you gain, and notice the sense of calm you experience.
~ 1776 Christian
