Do you ever find yourself struggling to have a consistent Bible reading time? And when you do, maybe you sit down for a couple of minutes, read a psalm or a proverb, and maybe even make some notes in the margins. You feel better after, but you also feel like something is missing.
That’s how I was feeling from my Bible reading times: Like I wasn’t truly seeking, knocking, and asking, like it says in the book of Matthew, but just going through the motions. I wanted something more.
A couple of months ago, I finished the book Stop Calling Me Beautiful, by Phylicia Masonheimer, which is essentially about the surface level teachings and devotions women are often subject to, and how to actively study the Bible. Wow, I thought. I really need to take action here.
I reached out to a mentor in my church that I knew could point me in the right direction. After spending a couple of hours listening to and learning from her, I had the tools I needed to become an active reader and student of the Bible.
Truly understanding the Bible takes work, time, and discipline. I knew this, but I wasn’t doing it. I wasn’t seeking the way God asks to be sought, the way he promises we will find Him.
It has only been a month or two, but my Bible reading time has changed drastically. I feel more in tune to what God is saying, and I feel like I have a better grasp of how to understand the scriptures. I am by no means an expert at Bible study, and there is still so much for me to learn. But I know I am on the right track, and I am seeing the results.
You Can Take Action to Better Understand the Bible
Ask Questions
My first action step was talking to a mentor in my church, and I am so thankful I did that. Try to connect with someone in your church community, like a pastor, pastor’s wife, small group leader, ministry leader, or simply someone who has an established walk with Christ. Ask to meet up with them– really, they want to help you and give you wisdom! Ask questions. Tell them what you are struggling with. Pick their brain on Bible study methods, books, resources, and tips. It’ll be an encouraging time for both of you, and also motivate you to study the word.
Find Resources
Right after our meeting, I ordered a copy of Jen Wilkin’s Women of The Word per recommendation from my pastor’s wife. Wow, it’s good. The book gives a detailed step-by-step process to reading the Bible that includes comprehension, interpretation, paraphrasing, and application. Wilkin uses the book of James as an example, and shows you exactly how to walk through each step. It’s a short but effective read, and has completely changed my bible reading time. It’s also really fun! I love getting out my colored pencils and highlighters and applying the steps to any passage I am reading. If you are looking for a Bible study resource, definitely check this one out.
Resources are meant to help you understand the Bible, not take away from what it is saying. I would advise asking your mentors or people in your church which books and resources they recommend, so you can be sure they are biblically sound, and will help you effectively learn how to study the Bible.
Stick With it
Just like any discipline, learning to understand, interpret, and apply the scriptures requires sticking with it, even when it gets difficult, and you don’t feel like it. I’ll be the first to admit that while Bible reading has become more exciting to me with these new methods, I don’t always jump out of bed ready to feast on the Word. Sometimes I feel like it’s too much and I don’t have the time or energy to go through the whole process. BUT I try to do a little bit every day. Even if it’s just a short passage, I go through the steps of comprehending, paraphrasing, and applying what I am reading. Is it worth it? Absolutely.
This is not about having the perfect book, perfect study method, or perfect amount of time spent in the Word. It’s about showing up and asking, “How can I seek God today, right now, with my whole mind, soul, body, and Spirit?”
Studying the Bible can seem daunting at times. It can feel so overwhelming to find “quiet time” in the midst of busy schedules and crazy households. And then when we finally do find time, it can feel like we just checked the box for the day, but left our comfy couch and open Bible still feeling hungry. Putting in the work, and actually seeking God with our full focus will make such a difference in how we study and apply the Word. This is not about having the perfect book, perfect study method, or perfect amount of time spent in the Word. It’s about showing up and asking “How can I seek God today, right now, with my whole mind, soul, body, and Spirit?” Seek and you will find. That’s a promise.
Thank you for these recommendations
This is such a wonderful blog post, thank you for thinking to write it! Its wonderful not only to read the bible but be able to make the most of your time doing it.