For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
(Romans 15:4)

The Bible is a book like no other. It is God's Word, and it reveals God for what he truly is. The Bible tells us about God's nature and attributes. Many centuries have passed since the words of the Bible were written, but the passage of time has in no way diminished the authority and God-given inspiration of these words. The Bible is a goldmine of wisdom and spiritual knowledge, and no matter how many times it is read, the good things contained within its pages are never exhausted.
This verse in Romans speaks about how the Scriptures relate to us. Although it is particulary speaking about the Scriptures of the Old Testament, it can be equally applied to the Bible as a whole.

We observe in this verse that the Scriptures were written for our learning. There is much we can learn as we read God's Word. The Bible tells us about the world we live in: it's origin, it's present state, and it's eventual destiny. The Bible also tells us about our human race. Like the world, we too, have an origin, a present condition, and a destiny.
In our present age, we have access to more information than at any other time in history, but the answers to the really important questions of life can still only be found in God's Word. Only the Scriptures can reveal to us our need of a Saviour, and show us the way to eternal life.

The Scriptures teach us patience. Patience enables a person to endure hardship and trials. The patience described in the Bible is more than just a passive, stoic acceptance of difficult circumstances. It's an active trust in God, and an understanding that our lives are in God's hands, and that if we love God he will work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). There are many examples of patience in the Bible. One such example is that of Job, who endured great suffering with God-given patience. James says in his epistle, "Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." (James 5:11) With patience, we can look beyond our present circumstances, and trust that God will provide our needs.

The Scriptures give us comfort. In his first Epistle to the Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul says "Wherefore comfort one another with these words" (1 Thess. 4:18). Isaiah chapter 40 begins with the words: "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God." This comfort is real, and of lasting value. Such comfort can only come from the Word of God. To the believer, God says "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Heb. 13:5b). To the sinner, God says "Him that cometh to me I will no wise cast out"(John 6:37b). To those who mourn, God says "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted" (Matt. 5:4). The Holy Spirit of God is described in Scripture as the "Comforter", who will abide with God's people forever. (John 14:16,17) What a blessing it is for a believer to have the true heavenly comfort that lasts for eternity!

The Scriptures also give us hope. Now people often speak of hope. There is a prominent world leader who made frequent reference to "hope" during his election campaign. But this type of hope is sometimes more dream than reality, and it can turn out to be a disappointment for the people who place their trust in it. The hope of the Scriptures, however, is far above anything that this world can offer, and it never disappoints. The greatest hope a person can have is to know forgiveness of sins and assurance of eternal life. This is something that only God can give. The believer's hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Paul wrote in his Epistle to the Colossians: "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col 1:27b). This hope leads us to praise God for his goodness and mercy to us. As it says in Psalm 71:14, "But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more." The Psalmist also says in Psalm 43:5, "hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."

God's Word is rich with wonderful truths that can bless and edify its readers. It must be noted, though, that we can only receive the patience, comfort, and hope of the Scriptures if we believe what the Scriptures say, and trust in the God who wrote them. Only through saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are we able to lay hold on the words of the Bible and understand the truths that it contains.

The Bible is not some dead and lifeless record of ancient happenings. Rather, it is a book that can give life to the spiritually dead, and light to eyes blinded by sin. In Psalm 19 verses 7 and 8 it says "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes." God's word is healing for the broken-hearted, and food for the hungry soul. It is a priceless treasure that God has given to us, and it is the only means by which we can know the truth about spiritual things. It is God's message to us, and it is our duty to read it. Jesus said "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31a,32.)

Let us therefore apply ourselves to the reading, meditation, and personal application of the truths of God's Word, so that we all may know what it is to be truly set free!