1. Study God’s Word in context. Instead of taking one or two verses to read and focus on, read the entire chapter, or even for some of the shorter books, read the entire book. This will give you a much better understanding of the meaning of the verse. I have found that when I understand something better, I find more joy in it. If you are currently studying a specific verse or passage and have not read the surrounding passages, take some time to do so the next time you sit down with your Bible. If you’re not currently studying anything, download my free Psalm 1 Bible study guide to get yourself started.
2. Use repetitive reading and meditation. Bob Sorge, author of Secrets of the Secret Place, defines meditation as “the art of digging out the most that we can from each and every word.” I have found this to be the most impactful strategy in my understanding and delight in the Bible. After I’ve read scripture in context, I break it up into smaller sections, usually around 12-18 verses. I sit with this same passage for at least one week, making observations, doing word studies, and applying it to my own life. This gives the greatest opportunity to get the most out of scripture and dig deeper. There is so much treasure to be found in one short passage of scripture. So start digging!
3. Use commentaries and other study tools. After you’ve gleaned as much as you can from a passage on your own through prayer and meditation, reading commentaries is a great way to learn more. There is a free app called the Blue Letter Bible app. You can use it to read the Bible, but it also includes many tools that help me better understand what I’m reading. You can look up the original text and meaning, which is crucial to understanding. You can also read sermon notes on the scripture you are studying. There is translation comparison where you can view two different translations side by side. I love this because I like to read lots of different translations when I study. Additionally, you can find cross-references to other passages in the Word that pertain to the one you are currently studying. There are many commentaries out there to buy, but I would recommend you just start by downloading the free app today!
4. Study God’s Word with a group. I have hosted small groups of women in my home off and on for the last several years. We’ve studied books of the Bible or done more in depth guided Bible studies. Discussing what we each learn through our weekly study at home brings a richness of understanding beyond what we can glean on our own. It also gives us opportunity to share our struggles, pray for each other, and encourage one another. So find some other women to study the Bible with. Join a group at your church or gather a few women in your home. You can download my study guide, which can be used to study any book of the Bible, by clicking on the button below.
Lord, thank You for the tools you’ve given us to study Your Word and know You better. Help us to choose the things that are helpful to us, and let go of the things that are just more of a distraction. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Do you have any Bible study tools that you love using and can recommend?