Dig in – Tips for Studying the Word

I don’t think we place enough value on reading the Bible.

There. I said it. I think we like the thought of reading the Bible but it intimidates us to just dig in and figure it out.

Excuses would be:

“I don’t have enough time.”

“The Old Testament freaks me out.”

“I don’t understand it.”

“The text seems dry and stale.”

I’ve said them all before.

I don’t make promises a lot but I can PROMISE this: learning how to read the Bible will LIGHT YOUR FAITH UP in a way that nothing else can.

A blog can’t do it (man, I wish it could, especially as you read this). An app can’t do it. You got to pull that book off the shelf and just dig in like it’s a plate of chocolate cake. I promise you, promise you: it’s rich and it will fill you like nothing else in this world can.

Some tips for studying the Bible from someone who is absolutely a student of the Word, nowhere near an expert.

1. Start today:

You can start today and you don’t have to be a scholar. God wants you just as you are. Don’t be intimidated by the thickness of the book. And you’ll realize it’s actually a love letter written to you and the rest of humanity.

2. Plant in one place:

The Bible is especially intimidating when you always stick with the grab-and-go method. Commit to an entire book of the bible. Commit to studying everyday until you finish it. Refuse to leave. Stalk the text. Dig deep and watch your heart do somersaults as the Word seeps in.

3. Ask all your questions:

Remember Moses? The dude asked a lot of questions. AND GOD BLESSED IT. Moses was the most intimate with God and I think it is because he asked the questions. It’s okay if you don’t understand. It’s okay to be confused. It’s okay to have your doubts. There is beauty in living inside of questions that can’t be answered with a Google search.

And as you read it, let it read you. Listen to God speak to you as His character and love is revealed.