Want to get to know God better and deepen your relationship with Him? Then there's no better place to start than reading His Word!
Why is it important to study the Word of God?
In this age of relativism, where truth and reality in our lives are easily shaped by the people, things, situations, and social norms around us, it is important for Christians to be grounded on God's Word, the solid and unchanging truth.
When we do so, we are making God our anchor, our foundation, and not someone to displace and replace when we feel like. We are also strengthening our faith, so that the storms in life cannot move us, to be like a tree rooted in God's love and truths.
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your word." Psalm 119:9
How can we grow in our Word life?
Here are two ways^:
1. Meditation - Reflecting upon the Word of God
2. Study - Analyzing God's Word, understanding and interpreting contents to uncover His truths
Here are some steps to help you start off:
Create a time and place to have uninterrupted time with God
Prepare your heart to hear from God
Read His Word slowly and reflect on what it says
As you read and reflect, you can use the God, Me, SPACE framework to guide you As you read the Word, ask God: "Lord, what are you saying to me today?" What does the Bible say about: God: Who is He? What is He like? What has He done? Me: Who am I? What does God think of me? S - Sins that I need to confess or avoid? P - Promises for me to claim? A - Attitudes for me to adopt? C - Commands that I should obey? E - Examples that I should follow or avoid?
Respond to the revelation(s) God shows
Keep a record of journaling His revelation(s), and commit to living out what He has instructed
The Bible is God's instruction manual that is infallible and unchanging.
As Christians, we have the responsibility to
Read carefully, and to base our perceptions and values on a sound interpretation and understanding of the Word
Allow the Bible to read us, and give it full authority to shape and re-shape our hearts and minds.
This shaping and re-shaping continues when we demonstrate the Word of God through our words and actions.
In this way, the Bible comes to life as we make it an active part of our everyday lives.
^Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster
This article was adapted from Intentional Engagement with God, Issue 02/2018, Trinitarian Magazine.
Reflect & Respond
How has your relationship with God grown through His Word this year?
What have you learnt about yourself through reading God's Word? What have you learnt about Him?
What are some truths or promises of God you can hold onto in challenging times?
Find out how others are hearing from God through His Word in I am Reading ...
Recommended
Walking Through the Word Series (Trinity@CBD Service Online)
Trinity Academy class: How to Study the Bible
This article is part of our R.E.S.E.T. Toolkit
Refresh. Encourage. Strengthen. Empower. Thrive.