How to Get More Out of Reading Scripture
Table of Contents
God’s Word is the most important text ever written, and by reading His Word we find life, wisdom, love, and so much more! But how can we develop and deepen our understanding and knowledge of God’s Word? What habits and patterns can we implement?
Join us as we explore not only our need for God’s Word, but many of the ways we can receive a richer return on our time in the Word!
The Importance of God’s Word
Most of us have heard a lot about the importance of spending quiet time reading Scripture. But why is that? What reasons exist to make spending time in God’s Word a vital part of our life and success?
There are many, many reasons why reading the Word of God is an important part of our walk with God, ranging from building our relationship with the Lord, all the way to growing in discernment.
Joshua 1:8, for instance, tells us that God’s Law—the Torah—when meditated on and followed will bring prosperity and success…
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
—Joshua 1:8
Then, in Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus tells us that nothing of God’s Word will pass away until every portion of it is fulfilled and that we are to follow His Word and ways…
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”
—Matthew 5:17-20
Further, scripture verses like Jeremiah 29:11, Genesis 50:20, and 1 John 4:8, teach us that God is good. That He desires good things for us. That He loves us!
These are just a sampling of what God’s Word can accomplish. Yet, some may still question the need to consistently read God’s Word… after all…
Without scripture, certainly, God can still speak to us. Certainly, we can still draw near to Him and follow Him. But the ability to discern the truth… to know God’s ways… That would be difficult. Because there are many false voices in life; there are many who would deceive us. Yet, it is thanks to the grace and love of God that His Word can discern the lies. That by reading His Word we gain insight into who God is! There is truth!
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
—Hebrews 4:12
God’s Word cannot be overrated! It is why we are meant to spend energy and time in reading God’s Word. It is why we are meant to study and enjoy it! And it is why we need to remain consistent in it.
Remember Philippians 4:8. It tells us that we are meant to think on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, of virtue, and of a praiseworthy nature… and God’s Word matches all of these things! All of these are evident and firmly established within God’s Word—even within Jesus, our Word made flesh!
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
—Philippians 4:8
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
—John 1:14
Getting More Out of Reading Scripture
We understand that reading the Scripture is important, but how can we get more out of the hours we spend reading or hearing it? There certainly can be great benefit in reading the Bible cover to cover, or even in taking a moment to read a scripture passage to allow the Holy Spirit to speak… yet, what are some practical ways to help us enter in to that time? How can we approach it?
While there are many ways we can do this, it is important that intention and prayer accompany our time in God’s Word. That we would be intentional, not reading it out of obligation, but out of a desire to deepen our relationship with God!
Here are a few ways that may help you get more out of reading scripture
Remember to let God lead, these are merely ideas to help jump-start a deeper approach to reading God’s Word:
Pray
Ask God to not only guide your time in the Word, but also to bring the word you read to your remembrance whenever He knows you or others have need of it.
Start simple
If you haven’t spent a lot of time in personal scripture study, it may be ideal to start small. Have a notebook and pen handy as you find a scripture passage that you like, or one that God leads you to. Write down what comes to mind when you read the passage. What does it say about your life? Taking the step to actually sit down and read scripture is important, while writing your thoughts on it helps you to remember.
Think of reading scripture as a meeting
You really are spending one-on-one time with God. It is not just a habit to be worked into your daily routine. If you think of it that way, it has the potential to become mechanical and tiresome. Instead, think of it as your special time to visit and talk with God.
Never focus on guilt
You are not “paying your dues” to God by having quiet time. By expressing your devotion and love, you will soon find yourself looking forward to your quiet time every day.
Figure out what works best for you
Maybe you do better with structure, and would benefit from Scripture guides. Maybe you prefer to have a more spontaneous reading and prayer time. There are no rules about what you have to do… just ask God to direct you in it.
Add variety
Go on walks, try a new translation, compare a particular verse in different versions or languages, focus on different aspects of scripture verses, or explore the culture of a biblical people. Do not be afraid to do something new or try something different to add some variety to your time in the Word!
Listen
Since your quiet time with God is truly a conversation, then you need to listen as well as talk. Take some time to be silent and tune out the outside world. Reflect in silence on your day, how you saw God at work, or what you read in the Scripture that day!
Consistency
Rabbi Landry often reminds us that, “In consistency lies the victory.” Doing something once is simple enough and can produce some results, but to experience the lasting, full benefits we are meant to achieve… we need to be consistent. We need to create habits and patterns that allow us to prosper. Remember, this is not meant to be legalistic… ask God to guide what this consistency is meant to look like for you in the season you are in.
Remember… Ultimately it is God who should lead the time we spend in His Word, because it is He who knows best what we and those around us require. Our Lord is perfect!
“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
—Matthew 5:48
In studying Scripture… In walking in God’s ways… We grow to be continually more like our loving Father God, who is perfect!
In spending that time with God and in His Word, we open ourselves up to blessing, revelation, and His perfect love!
The hour has come for us to draw near to God!
Let us spend time in His Word. In prayer. In honor. And in worship of our God!