If you're like me, one of my goals as you know is to study the Bible more this year, specifically to finish reading the whole of the Old Testament. I got asked a few days ago how I study the Bible so I decided that that's what today's post should be about.
I know a lot of us try make it a point to improve our Bible study life but find that we end up finishing the day without reading God's word, besides that quick 5-minute devotion during the day. But if we actually plan our day right, we can easily slot in time to just read and explore the Bible.
Why do we need to study the Bible though?
Well for many reasons. A few being:
1. It's one of the ways God speaks to us. If you want to hear His voice, He will lead you to the Bible because that is His written word for all of us.
2. In times of trials and temptations, the Word of God strengthens us and gives us the encouragement to endure and overcome, whether it's spiritual, financial or physical.
3. If we want to know more about who God really is, the Bible does just that. The Bible helps us understand the nature and attributes of God, as well as gives us an idea of His deep and eternal love for us.
So how should we go about in studying the Bible to get the most out of what God wants us to know? I've combined some effective tips that I've read about and some that I'm currently using to help me in my personal studying of the Bible.
1. Pray before you begin reading
As I said before, the Bible is one way that God speaks to us. Praying before you read God's Word is essential because the Holy Spirit will guide you to the message God wants you to receive. He will also give you understanding of everything and teach you what you need to know.
2. Read in sections
The Bible consists of many characters and their stories. Although reading a specific number of chapters a day might seem helpful, it might also end up just being a target you're trying to meet, rather than a personal time to hear God's word. Also, it can be difficult to remember what you read the day before when it's time to pick up where you left off. It's better to read stories and not chapters. This way, you'll have a clearer understanding of what you're reading.
For example, say you're reading the book of Genesis and you've reached the story of Joseph. Although the story of Joseph spans a few chapters, it can be split into sections for better understanding. The first section can be from when he shares his dreams with his family to when he is sold into slavery. The second section is when he finds favour in the eyes of Potiphar to when Pharaoh makes him governor. And the third section is from when his brothers go to Egypt until his death.
You'll have full understanding and learn more lessons from Joseph's story this way than if you were just to read two chapters a day.
3. Have a Bible commentary handy
Although the Holy Spirit does give us understanding of God's Word, He can do so through commentaries. Bible commentaries help explain each part of the Bible, verse by verse, and give you a wider insight into the meaning of what you're reading. The Bible commentary I use is an online one called Enduring Word.
4. Have a pen and paper handy to take notes
Writing things down helps you to remember. You can always go back and remind yourself whenever you need it.
Source: Ben White
5. Set time during the day to just study the Word
Although life can get quite busy, if you make time during your day to study God's Word it'll help build a habit of doing so. It can be at home, in the library, wherever and whenever you have time to just sit and focus on what you're reading.
6. Listen to the audio Bible
I usually listen to my Bible when I'm walking to and from school or in the bus. If your Bible app has an audio setting, try listening to it. You might find that that works far better for you than reading it.
7. What lessons can you take from the readings?
Always look out for the lessons you can learn from what you're reading. What is God trying to say to you?
8. Pray at the end of your Bible study
Just as you started with prayer, end with prayer too. Even if you didn't understand what you read, during the day, God can just bring your mind to it and give you the comprehension you need. Also pray that God will give you the strength to walk in His word just as you've read it.
9. Share with someone, face-to-face or through social media
Sharing is another way for God's Word to stick in your mind and helps others to learn lessons also. You can even have group studies and exchange your thoughts and views.
Hope these tips helped. Do you have any other advice for studying your Bible? How's your Bible study for this year going so far? Leave your comments below or email/message me on social media. Love hearing from you guys. Have an amazing day!
Stay blessed and stay a blessing.
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