When it comes to Bible study, we can be bombarded with information, rules, guidelines, and Bible study techniques. And there are plenty of Bible study tips that include reading plans, Bible apps and which book of the Bible to open first.
But what if you’re brand new to Bible study and you don’t know how in the world to get started?
Or, perhaps you’ve been a Christian for a while and, as hard as it is to admit it, you don’t have a desire to read the Bible.
Than again, maybe you’re simply overwhelmed and can barely find time to breathe, let alone make time for Bible study.
First of all, let me encourage you.
When I came to know the Lord more than 40 years ago, I had a white zippered Bible I’d received for Christmas as a little girl that had been opened only a couple of times. Although I knew where to find the book of Genesis, that was pretty much the extent of my Bible knowledge.
So, I bought a paperback Bible and began to read.
Since then, I’ve literally studied, memorized, taught, or read the Scriptures nearly every single day of my life. Besides my family, there’s nothing on earth I treasure more than my Bible.
Like the psalmist, I can say with my whole heart:
I will never forget Your precepts, for You have given me life through them.
So. if you’re new to Bible study, I get you. If you’ve memorized chapters and won Bible drills, I applaud you.
And, if you’re a busy mom who can’t figure out how to fit a reading plan into your day, I’ve got just what you need.
No matter where you are in your familiarity with the Bible, please consider these Bible study tips to help you love Bible reading!
These tips are guaranteed to change your heart and your life. Not because they’re magical, but because God’s Word is powerful and alive.
6 BIBLE STUDY TIPS TO HELP YOU LOVE BIBLE READING!
1. Just show up
In the first group-style Bible study I ever attended, we were instructed to schedule a “quiet time” early in the mornings. After all, our leader explained, Jesus Himself got up early in the morning to meet with His Father. Besides, without Bible study to set our minds straight first thing in the morning, our day was sure to spiral downhill fast.
I had two little girls under the age of three, and my husband worked for long stretches overseas. So, the thought of waking up at the crack of dawn shook me to my core. For years I was ashamed to admit that my Bible study happened over my third cup of coffee, at noon, or often late at night.
Whether you set your alarm so you can sit alone in a quiet house, open a Bible app in the car pool line, or shine a light under the covers to read before you drift off to sleep, you’re good.
For right now, do what works for you.
Don’t put off Bible study because the time you can find doesn’t resemble someone else’s ideal plan for a “quiet time.” No matter when you can squeeze it in, make up your mind right now to just show up.
2. Find a translation you can understand
With so many quality Bible translations available on book store shelves and online, please don’t stress too much over which is best. Just find a reliable Christian translation you enjoy and start reading. To be honest, great Bible scholars today differ over which modern translation is best, so there will never be a definitive choice.
Some popular and reliable translations include:
3. Read the entire Bible in a narrative version
One of my favorite Bible study tips is to find a narrative version of the bible and read it like a novel. Start at the beginning and make your way all the way through.
Sadly, many Christians never gain an overall understanding of the Bible. Yet, Bible study is more clear and meaningful when you have a birds-eye view.
(Note: narrative versions of the Bible are ideal for reading the Bible like a novel. But since they’re paraphrased and not translated from the original text, they may not be as reliable for intensive Bible study.)
4. Take in one verse at a time
If you’re in a season of life where intensive Bible study seems impossible, or if you’re new to the Bible, don’t panic. Instead, use one of my favorite Bible study tips for when Bible study feels overwhelming.
Choose a book in the New Testament or Psalms and read a verse.
Yep, I said one verse.
Now, ask God to help you apply the truth of that one verse to your heart and life.
In other words, live it out. Believe it. Obey it.
Now, go on to the next verse.
As simple as it seems, this method of Bible study can still be life-changing.
Because here’s what I know:
You’re better off to know one Bible verse you truly believe and obey than to memorize an entire chapter that never changes you.
And don’t worry. As you study one verse at a time, you’ll get hungry for more (See the last tip).
5. Write down your chosen verse each day and make it visible.
Tape it to your mirror. Add it to the notes in you phone. Place it beside your coffee pot.
Wherever you can find a spot to make your verse visible, put it there. Then read it and meditate on it. Even memorize it if you want to.
As the truth of that verse permeates your mind, it will change your heart.
6. Ask God to give you a deep desire to love and obey Him.
Of all the Bible study tips, perhaps this one is the most critical.
Ask God to give you a deep love for His Word. Ask Him over and over again.
Even if all you have is the tiniest spark of interest right now, the Holy Spirit will fan that spark into a flame. And, before long, you won’t have to remind yourself to read your Bible. Instead, you’ll thirst for it. You’ll want more and more.
And God will satisfy your thirst with His Living Word.
Nothing is more critical to your growth as a Christian than the truth of the Scriptures.
So, don’t wait. Just open the pages.
See the glory of Christ from Genesis to Revelation. Experience the power of the Holy Spirit as He teaches and convicts you. And fall more and more in love with the God who loves you.
If you find these tips meaningful, would you consider sharing this post or pinning it so others can see it too?
I love this post! So encouraging, especially to moms who are up to their knees in toddlers or littles, or moms who are just super busy in the daily life of our families.
Our church is reading through the Word each day this year and it has been so sweet thus far to read His word daily…getting through Leviticus was a little bit of a beating, but we made it!
Love you, Cindy!! Hugs!
Ah, Leviticus! Some nuggets in there for sure for the one who endures!:) Kim, I love that your church has a Bible reading plan for everyone to do together! There’s simply no way to participate in that and not be changed. I’m hoping my suggestions will encourage other women as much as they did me. Thanks for reading them:)
Awesome Cindy. WOW you really stepped out of the box with a VIDEO!!! so proud of you!
Love you.
Linda
Thank you so much, Linda! WAAAAAY outside my box!
Love this post, Cindy! Very natural, down to earth and right on with reasonable Bible tips that anyone can do. Obeying what you read, one verse at a time, is a great tip to allow the Word to seep in deep! And love the video, too!
Cindy, thank you so much! Obeying one verse at a time was life-transforming for me in the early days of my Christian walk. And the video was a HUGE stretch, so thanks for encouraging me!
You are speaking my language! I love everything about this post. Thank you for sharing your love for God’s Word and encouraging women to do what works. YES!
Jana, thanks so much for reading! It sounds like we’re soul sisters for sure! I love the Word of God and honestly can’t get enough of it. I appreciate your encouraging words!