Christian Living
We all sometimes feel a need to draw closer to God. We want to pray more and read our bible a bit more. While not being the best practice, we may sometimes pray on-the-go; in the shower, driving, cooking, exercising, etc, however, bible study requires for us to be seated and settled. Often the challenge with developing a consistent bible study habit is with proper time management as well as understanding what is being read. The 9 tips for improved bible study shared in this post will help us meet our desire to be closer to God, just as was the case with the Psalmist…
“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Psalms 42:2 NIV
1. Keep Your Bible Visible and Accessible
If you tuck your bible away in a drawer, book shelf or in a bag, the chances of seeking it out to read or study are very slim. If you have a hardcopy bible, make it visible by keeping it in an easily accessible place like on your reading table, work desk, coffee table or even your kitchen counter.
Download your favourite bible app on your electronic devices (laptops, ipads, tablets, mobile phones). Bible audio books, like found in the Youversion bible app, lets you listen to chapters, verses or bible plans on the go. I personally have my Youversion Bible app on all my devices and specifically bookmarked on my laptop.
2. Schedule Your Bible Study Time with flexibility
If you are an early bird, then morning hours may be your best Bible study time. You are likely to enjoy some quietness and focus since your entire household and neighbourhood may still be asleep. Morning hours were my best Bible study times until my kids arrived. I struggled with keeping my morning routine and getting my family ready for school or work. Over the years, evening family bible reading/prayer time just seems to work better for everyone while I can do my personal study any time within the day.
Did you know that you can read your bible while being driven to work, at the poolside, during your break time, etc? Find out what works for different seasons of your life and adapt. Setting unrealistic bible study schedules will further dampen your spirit.
3. Start Small
If you jump in with both feet aiming to catch up on all lost bible study hours, you’ll give up soon after starting. Aim to read few verses, a full bible story, or a short chapter per day. Targets to complete the entire bible within a short period of time are not only laborious but can be frustrating especially for beginners. You can start with your favourite bible book, noting that while most practices of the old testament may not apply to Christians today, their principles still remain relevant. The gospels and epistles should make exciting reads for every believer. If you want detailed accounts of the life and ministry of Jesus, Matthew, Mark and Luke should be your favourite books. For more insights into some of Jesus’s words or actions, the gospel of John is the book for you.
Some secrets to reading expansive scriptures at once include a quest for unraveling a given revelation, understanding an insight or clarifying a line of thought. Time passes swiftly when any of these is your drive.
4. Make Personal Notes
For improved bible study habit, make notes. Study notes enhances your curiosity and eagerness to know more as well as give a sense of ownership and fulfillment.
5. Refer To Different Bible Translations
Electronic devices make it quite easy to compare different bible translations. Switching between different translations makes for clarity and also helps understanding. Presently, my favourite bible translations are; the New Living Translation (NLT), Easy-To-Read Version (ERV) and the Amplified Classic (AMPC). However, to avoid getting trapped with distortions and misrepresentation of scriptures, I always refer to the New King James Version (NKJV), and sometimes the KJV.
6. Meditate
Turn your study time bible verses or text over in your heart. Repeat the scriptures to yourself as you think on them. If you want to enjoy improved bible study habit, meditate every time and everywhere.
7. Ask Questions
‘What’, ‘How’, ‘Why’, are explorative questions that enhances your understanding of scriptures. As you make your notes or meditate on scriptures, enjoy the liberty of asking yourself these questions. The Holy Spirit helps our understanding. Sometimes, answers can also come from outside sources like a sermon in Church, a teaching from a true man of God, etc. Just be patient and sensitive.
8. Consider Bible Study Aids
These are great assets for improved bible study habit.
Bible dictionaries and concordances provide definitions, meaning and references of biblical words. Concordances may also give additional scriptures where certain words have been used.
Devotionals are often topic-based day-to-day readings that can throw more light on certain scriptures.
Most bible reading plans are structured such that related portions of scriptures are grouped together in order to make sense and provide some context.
While I personally think that Bible commentaries can be leading (suggestive), they may provide different perspectives on scriptures, further helping understanding. Maybe you want to use commentaries after doing your own personal drill.
9. Depend on the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is our Guide. And He is the ultimate Teacher of the Word, so as you make progress with your bible study, lean more on the Holy Spirit for illumination and understanding.
Well, I hope these tips help you spend more time in fellowship with God through His Word.
