Let’s look at this practical example.
Me: *wakes up in the morning and mumbles some words of prayer*
*opens Bible app on phone*
*Looks at verse for the day*
*Rolls over and goes back to sleep*
As funny (or not) as this might seem, it is actually what most of us do. We see studying the bible as a boring monotonous thing that must be done. Some people even think that the bible is this big boring book, so when they study it, they just go through the motions.
Remember that example above, yes?, well, that was me, before I found out I could study the word and have so much fun doing it.
So, from my personal struggles and realisations, I present to you my tested and trusted ways by which I made studying the bible so much easier.
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Location
You need to find a quiet, relaxed atmosphere to carry out your bible study. This is because when you are in a place free from distractions, it becomes so much easier to focus and hear the Holy Spirit direct you. When having group bible discussions, it is also advisable to pick locations that are free of distractions.
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Pray
Before you begin your bible study, you should ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. This will save you a whole lot of stress and confusion. Trust me, you really do not want to be going O.P when reading the bible. Also, the Holy Spirit was sent to us to help us with ALL things, so, you could ask him any question that comes up in the course of your study.
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Get a Bible Translation That Works For You
Nowadays, virtually over a thousand bible translations in different languages exist. I use the New Living Translation because it is so easy to understand. It is very advisable to pick one which works for you, even if it is in a language that isn’t English. One that is very easy to understand and is relatable. So, pick a translation that works for you and dive into the word. Audio bibles could be used as well.
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Journal
Yes, I am one of those old school people who still writes things down on paper. I make it a habit of putting things down as I study. You could get a really attractive journal (or even an exercise book) that when you see it, your ginger to write will be deep. Things as simple as bullet points, acronyms, and even doodles will do. To further spice things up, instead of using a plain old pen, you could get highlighters, glitter pens, markers, plenty plenty shine shine pens, just to spice up your journal. Channel your primary school self, but please make sure you do not lose focus when doing this.
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Have A Study Group
I believe there is power in an association, Two will always be better than one. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. As much as you should cultivate a private bible study time, having a study group, or at least one person you can check up on each other bible study progress, share notes, ask questions and seek answers together will really help you be consistent and accountable. -
A Receptive Heart
The final and most important thing is to study the bible with a heart that is willing to learn from the word of God. Just imagine going for a class that you have no interest in. You will probably never understand what you are being taught. You’ll even begin dozing off at intervals till you finally lose interest. This is exactly the same thing with studying the bible. So, make sure you go about studying the bible with a heart willing to learn.
At this point, I would like to state that this list is not exhaustive. There are still so many ways you could make studying the bible easier. You can talk to friends, your pastor, or even download resources off the internet which could help with your bible study.
Also, keep Joshua 1:8 at the back of your mind, because studying the bible guarantees prosperity and success.
“Study this book of instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do”- Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
Just make sure to switch things up, and have fun when studying the bible.
Thank you for reading. I would love to know what helps your personal bible study time as a comment?
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