I admit that sometimes I pick up the Bible and get completely overwhelmed. I know, and have experience in my life, that turning to Scripture for wisdom and reflecting on it is helpful, but where do you begin?!?
Here are four things that help me read and/or reflect on Scripture.
1. Find something that works for you!
For some people, they read chapters and chapters at a time. Other people like to sit and reflect on one verse and go deeper. Some people journal, others reflect artistically, musically, or in prayer. Some people use devotions to guide them, while others stick just to God’s Word. We all use different translations of the Bible or even listen to it as an audio book. You might be a morning person or like to read before bed.
I feel like there is a place for all of these things and variety is good. But above all, find something you’ll actually do. The method isn’t what’s important, it’s DOING it!
2. Use some kind of plan!
There are plenty of times when I go to God’s Word because I need some specific encouragement or wisdom for a situation I’m going through. However, what I’ve found is that if that’s all I do, I can get so focused on what I’m dealing with that it leaves little room for God to speak truth about other areas of my life. By finding some kind of system, whether it’s going through a book of the Bible, using a Bible or devotion app, or reading a devotional, having some kind of plan not only helps me get into a habit of connecting with God in this way, but also can open my eyes to Scriptures maybe I’ve never considered before.
3. Share what you learn and apply it in your life!
God calls us to be “doers” of the Word, not just readers. One of the best ways I’ve found to live out what I’m learning is to reflect on it and share it with others. When I tell a friend what God’s been showing me, it adds a level of accountability, excitement, and desire to let the Word impact my every day lives.
4. Connect with God while you read.
One of my favorite quotes comes from Pastor Mike Glenn who often says:
“Rarely do we have the privilege of opening a book in the presence of the author. Every time we open Scripture, we have that privilege.”
We don’t have to GUESS what God means by something, we can ask Him to help us. A couple of my favorite short prayers to use before I start reading are:
- “Father, open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things in Your Word today. Amen” (based on Psalm 119:18)
- “Holy Spirit, bring light to my heart that I can understand the confident hope you have given to us in Your Word. Amen.” (based on Ephesians 1:16-20)
- “Jesus open my mind to understand the Scripture I read today. Amen” (based on Luke 24:45)
And here are a few for after you read:
- “Father, make me like a tree planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Amen.” (Based on Psalm 1:3)
- “Jesus, help me use Your Word as a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Amen.” (Based on Psalm 119:105)
- “Holy Spirit, help me not only hear Your Word today, but to be a doer also. Amen.” (Based on James 1:22)
What has helped you read or reflect on God’s Word? Share in the comments below!
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