How to Study Scripture

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I recently shifted our bird feeder, placing it squarely in front of my office window, thereby transforming my entire view.

In the last twenty minutes alone, I have glimpsed three chunky Northern Cardinals, one Carolina Wren, a Yellow-Breasted Chat, a White-Breasted Nuthatch, two Carolina Chickadees, and a pair of House Finches.

Years ago I might have told you that I enjoyed observing colorful birds flit to our feeder.

But now? I know their names, anticipate their eating patterns, and recognize their dear silhouettes. I have taken the time and put forth significant effort to study them. It has been a slow, intentional path of growing in deeper knowledge that has resulted in much delight.

Did the birds change?

Not one bit. But my habits did, pulling me closer to relishing these little feathered friends.

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A few weeks ago, a kind writer emailed, asking if I might entertain a specific blog topic. This is what she said:

I am wondering if you could do one on HOW to study Scripture. You’ve written many times about the importance of digging deeply into Scripture, but I am curious as to how you implement that on a regular basis. I have recently entered a season of life where I have found it difficult to stay consistent (many small children and an ailing mother-in-law), and would appreciate hearing your thoughts and wisdom on this topic.

I am so glad she asked.

Sometimes I forget what my life looked like before I structured my days around the Bible.

What I do recall, quite vividly, is the persistent longing, a tender ache that fluttered for well over a decade, a strong desire for an older woman to take me by the hand and teach me how to live a godly life.

And if I am honest?

I also remember the twin pain of longing not to appear lacking and needy.

When I write about digging into Scripture, it grieves me to think that such a pursuit might seem impossible to anyone.

Please know that it is not impossible, no matter your circumstances. But it will require scheduling and stick-to-itiveness. You must determine to roll up your sleeves and persist, forgoing other pursuits in order to spend time with God. The narrow way is never passive but active, and your devotion will appear odd to others. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

The exact methods I employ may not work within the borders of your own life, and it is never my intention to burden anyone, but rather to encourage Bible study, which begins with scouring the Scriptures, verse by verse. Stoke the fire of devotion to God’s Word through consistent, daily reading.

I love how one pastor put it: “Minds engaged and hearts aflame.” The Bible is God’s voice, our final authority; by his words we know what pleases and displeases him.

I am in my early fifties, a married empty-nester with four adult children, two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, and a grandson. I am a pastor’s wife, a writer, the keeper of our home, and my husband’s helper. I also work a few part-time jobs. I disciple several women, participate in a weekly women’s Bible Study, and prioritize spending time with my family and close friends.

My point is this: Life is every bit as full as it was when I was a stay-at-home mother homeschooling four children.

The only way I remain tethered to Christ is through committed daily patterns.

I am running toward the Lord only because he first pursued me, drawing me close, plunging me deeply into the Bible, and gloriously altering the inner trajectory of my existence. He has seen fit to enhance my thirst and affection for him, and my prayer is that he will do the same for you.

Did God change? Has the Bible changed?

Of course not. But God changed me.

Through Scripture.

I have discovered that I cannot sit like a spiritual lump amid my busy life and expect to somehow fall headlong into Christlikeness.

It has been my greatest joy to move the spiritual bird feeder of my life front and center, treasuring God and his Word above all. Every other speck of life circles this feeder.

If you hear nothing else, hear this:

Fashion your days around God and the Bible. Everything else is secondary.

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Here is how I study the Bible all week long.

It begins on Sunday. Every Lord’s Day I sit under verse-by-verse preaching at our church. I crack open my notebook and jot down truths, eager to learn, repent, and begin the week anew.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Monday through Friday I awaken early and exercise, listening to sermon podcasts from:

Light + Truth

Messages by Desiring God

Grace To You

Ligonier Ministries

As I fast-walk, my mind, heart, and affections are awakened, and I return home ready to read the Bible.

Once the coffee pot is humming, I eat breakfast and read five consecutive chapters of Scripture. Five chapters per weekday means I will have read the entire Bible within one year.

I love this plan for many reasons.

1. The simplicity. No charts, just reading and studying.
2. The grace. If I fall behind, I may catch up on the weekend.
3. The consistency. Reading all of Scripture transforms and refreshes my heart and mind.
4. The results. I treasure God more with each passing year.
5. Growth. Over time, my powers of discernment have been trained.
6. Discipleship. I am eager to share the Bible with others.
7. The Bible is meant to be read in context, as a whole. This plan ensures that I am reading every word that God intended for me to read.

On weekends, I linger upon a chosen portion or catch up if I have fallen behind. In the beauty of this season, autumn, I drink coffee on our front porch with my Bible in hand, reading while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature: birds, deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and all those leaves, colors slowly beginning to burn–gold, orange, and red.

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When I read the Bible, I ask myself:

1. What does this passage teach me about God?
2. What does this teach me about mankind and sin?
3. How does this point me to Christ?
4. How may I apply such truths to my daily life?

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Moms with little ones, I pray that you will carve out time each day to read your Bible. It might mean you read one paragraph or one chapter. Keep at it, little by little. Screenshot one verse and meditate on it throughout your day. Invest in a MacArthur Study Bible and read the introduction to each book as you go. The study notes are gold.

Train your children to play quietly, and let them see you happily reading Scripture. Such skills take time, but your loves will learn under your patient consistency and will one day remember your devotion. When they interrupt you, don’t turn them away, but pull them close, inviting them to listen as you read your Bible aloud. Talk about Jesus from the moment they are born. Your little ones are not a hindrance, but your mission field.

Another way to partake of Scripture is to open your Bible app and tap “play” listening as you wash dishes, chop vegetables, fold laundry, rake leaves, or commute to work.

May I offer a word of caution regarding devotionals? Devotionals are not Scripture. There are good ones, indeed, but if you read them, be sure you are not using them as a replacement for Bible reading. Sadly, many devotionals do not rightly handle the Word of God.

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Every night before I go to sleep I read from my Kindle, full of good books. Many of my favorites are old books, authored by Puritans. Other good books are not ancient but beautifully point to Scripture’s old and proven paths.

Wait! you might be thinking, I thought this post was: ‘How to Study Scripture?’

It is.

I have learned that I can better study the Bible by slowly digesting the brilliant, holy thoughts of tried and true saints. Their words are never easy but are bursting with truth. Such reads are a resplendent benediction to my day before I pray and sleep.

It seems my days are bookended: beginning with sermons and Bible reading, and ending with reading and prayer. In between lies the normal stuff of life–work, church, chores, errands, and time spent with family and friends.

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Are you in a formidable season of life?

I understand.

Personally, this year has been a wild ride, marking the first calendar year in over a decade that I will not have read the Bible through, from cover to cover. We all face times that don’t go according to plan, yet I am reminded that I must stay anchored to God through Scripture to flourish.

Read your Bible every day. Even if it is simply one verse.

John 17:17 – Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

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Recommended sermons to prep your heart for personal Bible study:

Satan’s War Against the Word

Is the Bible Reliable