why is reading God's word so important?

Psalm 119 gives us some wonderful reasons as to why reading God's word is so important in the lives of his creation. The Creator knows the operating instructions for his created being. He knows what will give each one of us joy, hope, and peace. David (the author of Psalm 119) knew about God's "operating manuel", but he also knew that because of sin he would sometimes take his life in his own hands (Psalm 119.109). We can know what is right, we can even know God's commands, but like Paul there is a war waging within us (Romans 7.7ff). A war that will only have victory through Jesus Christ. It is through the Word of God that we will be equipped to fight in this war. We are in a battle...a battle of the flesh, mind and soul. As God's child...are we prepared for the battle? Are we ready? (Ephesians 6.10-20) Remember, a soldier gets up early every morning and prepares for his day? Every morning he wakes us as a soldier! Not just every once in a while, or even a few times a week. He's a soldier every day! What kind of soldier have we chosen to be? It is a daily discipline...lets be the best soldiers in God's army.

Reading God's word and meditating is important because:

• His word guides, teaches and gives us good judgment. (Psalms 119.66,73,98-100,104,105,125,130,144,169)
• His word is applicable to all generations. It's for us today! (Psalms 119.89-91,152,160)
• His word keeps us from perishing. It saves us. (Psalms 119.81,92,94,155,166,174)
• Knowing His word and obeying it brings us blessing. (Psalm 119.2-8,65)
• His word makes us blameless in His sight. (Psalm 119.1,80)
• His word keeps us from sin. (Psalm 119.11,29,101,133)
• Obeying His word brings joy into our lives. (Psalm 119.14,111)
• It is a delight to follow His word, not a burden. (Psalm 119.16,35,103)
• Wonderful truths are in His word that give us hope. (Psalm 119.18,43,49,81,116) Give us eyes to see them!
• We find counsel in His word. (Psalm 119.24)
• We are strengthened through His word. (Psalm 119.28)
• Obeying His word will never bring us shame. (Psalm 119.31,46,80)
• We are set free by His word! (Psalm 119.32,45)
• His word preserves our life in His way. (Psalm 119.37,87-88,92-93,104,107,127-128,175)
• His word helps us fall in love with Him. (Psalm 119.47-48)
• His word comforts us in suffering. (Psalm 119.50,52,76,142,153)
• Obeying His word makes us a part of a family of friends. (Psalm 119.63,74)
• His word makes our hearts sensitive and full of delight, not callous and unfeeling. (Psalm 119.70)
• His word is of great worth. (Psalm 119.72)
• His word teaches us who God is. (Psalm 119.41,49,58,65,68,73,76,77,90,121, 124,132,137,142,149,156,159)
• His promises are revealed through His word. (Psalm 119.82,116,154,162)
• His word is trustworthy/true/righteous. (Psalm 119.86,138,140,151,160,172)
• His word is our heritage. (Psalm 119.111)
• His word protects us. (Psalm 119.121-122,134,159)
• His word saddens our heart when we see sin. (Psalm 119.126,136)
• His word fills us with peace. (Psalm 119.165)

These are just a few things that I found...what do you see in Psalm 119 that was an encouragement to you. Share with us what you found!