grace given me

Has anyone gotten swept up by the romantasy book movement happening right now? Books from authors like Rebecca Yaros and Sarah J. Maas are consistently featured on “Book of the year” lists. My daughter is a fan and recently sent me the funniest reel. In it, a girl explains:

There is nothing that will give you more embarrassment than explaining the fantasy book that you are reading to someone who doesn’t read fantasy—the look on their face as you try to explain how it’s about this girl from the mortal realm who finds out she is soul-bonded to this guy who can become a dragon… and then you want to explain the time traveling troll who plays the piccolo and is her best friend…

It made me laugh—and I felt I could relate. I sometimes feel like that when I try to explain what I’m reading in the Bible. 

So, there’s this guy, Samson, a Nazirite chosen by God, who was blessed with supernatural strength to deliver Israel from the Philistines. To preserve his strength, he was told never to cut his hair. But Samson struggled with pride and lust. He marries a Philistine woman named Delilah, and eventually reveals the secret of his strength to her. She betrays him, and the Philistines capture, blind, and imprison him. In his final act, Samson prays to God for strength and collapses a Philistine temple, sacrificing himself to kill thousands of the enemy. 

Do you see what I mean?

Despite the reservations I sometimes have, I keep reading—and encouraging others to do the same. Want to know why? Though romantasy books come and go as top sellers, there is a reason the Bible remains the most read book of all time. With over 5 billion copies distributed and translated into more than 3,500 languages, it remains unmatched in influence and reach. This is one book that doesn’t need Oprah’s endorsement to become a bestseller.

And yet, many resist this classic. Its length can be daunting. Some take pause at how a book this ancient could still speak to modern life. And sure, there are some intriguing parts that leave our minds wondering. But may I humbly suggest a few reasons why you should start reading it (or keep reading it) if you’re not already:

1.       It is the greatest love story ever told. The creator of the heavens and earth loves you so much that he sent his only son to die for you so that you could have everlasting life. John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” If this were a romantasy plotline, it would catch on like wildfire. Oh wait, it has—for those who know. Don’t get left out.

2.       It offers wisdom that stands the test of time. Do you like Aesop’s fables or Buddhist mantras? The Bible contains stories and teachings that are not just clever moral lessons—they are truth. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” And 2 Timothy 3:16 confirms, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” I once heard: We don’t break God’s laws as much as we break ourselves against them. He is our maker. He provides guardrails—not to restrict us, but to protect and equip us to live our best, most fully alive lives.

3.       The Word is alive. When you read a book, your imagination brings it to life. But when you read God’s Word and invite the Holy Spirit into that reading, it can speak directly and personally to your heart. Hebrews 4:12 informs us, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…” I’m constantly amazed at how one verse can bring comfort, clarity, creativity, or conviction—right when I need it most. How can one book do that for each and every person? Only the living word of God.

4.       It gives you power. If you are feeling helpless, stuck, or just want to inject a boost of life and light into what you are doing, God’s word is seed. Prayer and declarations based upon the word of God, fueled by the word of God bring forth goodness, prosperity, and peace. Learn God’s promises so you can speak God’s promises over your life. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death…” If you are thinking, oh I don’t know, little old me. Hosea 4:6 warns, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Do you know who you are and how powerful you are in Christ? Don’t underestimate what God longs to do for you and through you.

Lord, thank you for your word. We live in the overlap of ages—between heaven’s perfection and earth’s imperfection. Here, we look to stories to educate, fortify and entertain ourselves. But you have given us the greatest book of all time. Help us become enraptured with the love story it contains, guided by the wisdom it offers, and strengthened by the power it holds. May your word chase back the dark and bring forth life, light, and love. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

*Looking for a Bible recommendation? The one I read provides context and helpful study notes: https://a.co/d/gQbGAjA