How many of you enjoy jigsaw puzzles? I’ll admit I’m not the biggest fan, but occasionally while on vacation, I’ll join in and help put one together. Now, some puzzles can be quite challenging, especially those with intricate designs and tiny details. But imagine this: What if the puzzle pieces were placed in the wrong box with a completely different picture on the cover? Completing the puzzle would be almost impossible without the correct image or the box top as a guide. Well, life without the right directions can often feel the same way — confusing, frustrating, and even overwhelming.

Interestingly, recent news suggests more young people are beginning to look for the right box top, that is, they’re buying a Bible. According to Circana BookScan, Bible sales are up 22% this year. Now, this is happening even as church attendance declines. And according to Pew Research, more Americans are identifying as having no religious affiliation. So what’s behind the renewed interest in Scripture?

It seems to be driven by growing anxiety, frustration, and fear over issues ranging from the recent election and inflation to rising crime, and a general sense that the world, frankly, is spinning out of control. Research from the American Bible Society sheds light on an intriguing trend. Gen Z, who are between the ages 18 through 27, are the least Bible-engaged generation, and they report higher stress levels and lower feelings of hope than older generations.

However, something remarkable happens when members of Gen Z engage with the Bible. Dr. John Pollock, editor-in-chief of the State of the Bible series, explains that Gen Zers who read the Bible score higher on the human flourishing scale than their peers who don’t. They actually achieve the highest scores of any generation. That’s significant.

This may explain why the Bible is trending on TikTok. With over eight million posts discussing its content, it seems many young people are discovering the box top for life, and they’re eager to share it with their friends.

Of course, simply buying a Bible is just the beginning. Reading it, understanding it, and applying its teachings as a guide for life are the essential next steps. There are a lot of Bible reading plans out there — and you need a plan. One I highly recommend is Family Research Council’s Stand on the Word Bible Reading Plan. It offers a daily reading plan accompanied by an online devotional to help you dive deeper into Scripture.

There is no better way to navigate life successfully than by turning to the word of God. The psalmist’s words remain as true today as they were 3,000 years ago when he wrote this: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”