The importance of reading and studying the Word of God cannot be overstated. As His children, we understand that the truths contained in Scripture are the foundational principles that we must build our lives upon. However, there are times when trying to figure out how to effectively study the Bible can be a bit overwhelming. With so many translations to choose from, so many authors, types of literature, and other issues, effectively studying the Bible isn’t always easy. However, it’s our lifeline to God.
When you take a step back and look at your Bible as a whole, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. The Bible was written by dozens of men and women over the course of thousands of years, across several continents. When you combine the geographic and cultural considerations that must be part of your study with the fact that the Bible contains multiple different genres of literature, studying the Bible can seem like a daunting task.
God does not want your Bible study to be an intimidating, stressful time in your life. He supernaturally inspired the men and women who authored the Bible to write the words that they wrote. He then supernaturally preserved the Bible so that we would have a perfect, holy copy of His Word thousands of years after its initial writing.
God didn’t take those steps so you would be intimidated by Scripture. He did all of that so you could read His Word and feel the warmth of His presence. God’s plan for your Bible study is for it to be like sitting down with a familiar friend.
If you feel like reading your Bible is a daunting task and that you just can’t wrap your head around what you’re reading, consider taking some of these steps to make your Bible study easier. God’s Word is His way of communicating directly to His people. With that in mind, there are several steps you can take to ensure that you’re Bible study isn’t a time of stress, but a time of resting in His presence and furthering your knowledge of Him.
Choosing a Biblical Translation
Unfortunately, there has been a considerable amount of debate over the years about which translation is better than others. Many well-meaning Christians believe that only one English translation has been truly inspired and protected over the years, and that any of the other translations that were based on that translation and the original texts are less than accurate. However, there is no Scriptural evidence that this is true.
No, there isn’t a Bible verse that teaches us which Biblical translation we should use today. However, there are some things that we can look at to help alleviate any stress that we may experience over which translation is more inspired than the others.
First of all, every translation that we have access to today is just that: a translation. The Bible was not written in English. Instead, there was a combination of languages that made up the original text, including Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. The first English Bible was printed in the 1600s, and every translation that we have access to today has used that initial translation along with the original texts to give us all the versions that we have access to. Additionally, Biblical historians and language experts have worked together to ensure that the translations that are available today are accurate.
Don’t allow yourself to be sucked into a meaningless debate over which translation is better. Instead, choose a translation that you can understand, and don’t allow yourself to be worried by what others say. God wants you to understand His Word.
Consider Using Study Aids
Proverbs 15:22 (TPT)
Your plans will fall apart right in front of you if you fail to get good advice. But if you first seek out multiple counselors, you’ll watch your plans succeed.
Obviously, this passage in Proverbs is a reference to surrounding yourself with Godly people who can offer you good advice, but it can also apply to using study aids to help you in your pursuit of getting a better understanding of God’s Word.
Depending on the type of Bible that you use, there may be study notes printed on the pages along with the Scriptures themselves. Those notes, which are provided by theologians, Biblical historians, and other men and women who have a deep, intimate knowledge of God’s Word. Being able to learn from them simply by reading the study notes in your Bible is a powerful resource.
However, even if you read your Bible on an app or don’t have a Bible that includes notes from some of the greatest minds in Christianity, you can access other resources. Consider purchasing or downloading a Biblical commentary. Many of these commentaries go through verse-by-verse and discuss what the verse is actually saying.
The Bible encourages us to surround ourselves with good advisors. Even if you don’t have a theologian who you can call on the phone and ask questions, you can use study aids that will give you a better understanding of Scripture.
Journaling Your Way Through the Bible
Psalm 1:2 (TPT)
What delight comes to the one who follows God’s way! He won’t walk in step with the wicked, nor share in the sinner’s way, nor be found sitting in the scorner’s seat. His pleasure and passion is remaining true to the Word of “I am,” meditating day and night in the true revelation of light.
There is scientific data that supports that idea that people are more likely to remember something after they write it down. That’s why many college students rely on the method of writing their notes more than one time in preparation for a test. The brain is more likely to remember something you have written because it forces you to truly think about it instead of just reading over it.
There are several Journal Bibles on the market that allow you to write your thoughts about a passage of Scripture right there on the page. Even if you don’t want to get one of those, consider journaling your thoughts while you’re studying the Bible. It ensures that you’re really thinking about the things that you’ve read instead of reading them and moving on.
Ask for Wisdom
James 1:5 (TPT)
And if anyone longs to be wise, ask God for wisdom and he will give it! He won’t see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you over your failures but he will overwhelm your failures with his generous grace.
Finally, the most effective way to get even more out of your Bible study is to ask God to help you gain a deeper understanding of His Word. We often assume that as Christians, we should have an intricate knowledge of God’s Word, so we’re ashamed to admit that there’s something that we don’t know. This verse, which was written by Christ’s half-brother ensures that we don’t have to be ashamed to tell God that we need wisdom. God doesn’t want us to “fake it until we make it” in regard to understanding Scripture.
Instead, if there is something you don’t understand, ask God for a revelation about what it means. In fact, it’s a good idea to begin your Bible with a period of prayer. While you’re praying before you start studying the Bible, admit that You need God’s help with understanding what you’re about to read. Ask Him to help you notice the things that He wants you to see. Through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, He will give you a deeper insight and the wisdom that you need in order to get the most out of your study of Scripture.
A Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for preserving an inspired copy of Your Word for those of us who would read it thousands of years after it was originally written. Help me to understand it better than I ever have before. Reveal Yourself to me through the truths found in Scripture so I can be the version of me that You want me to be. In Christ’s name, Amen.