Hiding the Word in Our Hearts

This post is by Patty Lewis.

Since our theme is Bible study this month, I’ve pondered how to write on the topic. I decided to ask  women who are special and close to me—that I have actually studied God’s Word with—some specific questions about studying the Bible. 

Some pointers from my heart:

Be flexible with yourself and the tools you use to study God’s Word. Be willing to allow yourself to modify the study tools you are using in order to work with what you enjoy and your schedule. 

Be gracious with yourself in all the ways as you endeavor to know Him more.

Be teachable and trainable, keeping your heart humble and soft, positioned to learn more and be stretched. 

Encourage others by asking after them. Ask how they are getting into or staying in God’s Word. 

I asked the following questions of a few friends:

What would you encourage others with if they asked you about how to study the Bible? 

Why study the Bible?

Tools to help study the Bible?

Tips on studying the Bible?

Ideas when you don’t have an active Bible study happening?

Here are some of their responses:

I would encourage them by saying that even reading a verse is a start!  It might seem daunting or overwhelming to read their Bible, but it doesn’t have to be. …  The Bible is always relevant and the living word of God.  

I would say there is no right or wrong way to read their Bible.  I would also encourage them to find the translation that they feel most comfortable reading. 

-         Nancy T.

I don’t know that I’m the one to ask about Bible study but my encouragement would probably be very simple.  Just read it.  Read it in context.  Read it when it’s hard.  Read it when you don’t understand, ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and understanding and trust that God’s word never returns void. 

-         Megan S.

How to study:  Keep it Simple.  Find a guide or a group or start with a devotional that has questions to think about.  Why study:  because you can’t grow in a relationship with Jesus if you don’t take the time to get to know Him.  No better place to get to know Him than the Bible.  Tools: Google, friends, church. 

-         Kelly P.

Pick one book at a time, try and read the same passages for a week because each time you read it, you can catch something new.  I like using the Bible app and bookmarking verses but it’s nice to have a notebook to write out verses or your Bible to highlight verses…don’t treat it like a chore, if you find you are doing it to check a box then it’s good to maybe go back to some of your favorite verses to just soak on them for a bit…don’t feel like you need to be doing soooo much!

-         Katie B.

I think we study the Bible to know God, grow close to Him and grow in our faith.  Growing up we used The Word of Life quiet time journals and they were helpful for learning to study on your own because everyday had a passage to read and the same two questions.  What is the author saying?  How can I apply it to my life?  …    I would also encourage people to make a habit of making time and space for it. 

-         Lisa B.

For me doing a Bible study I need to be around people I trust and can trust with my thoughts and emotions.  I feel that people have to go about studying the Bible with what works for them…keeping it simple and then you can expand from there with whatever your personal needs are.

-         Kelly W.

Ask God where to start.  Pray beforehand and ask the Holy Spirit to give you an understanding of what you are reading and let these words…these seeds plant deep in your heart.  Do it every day!!  The Word is alive!!!!  It will change you!  “For the word of God will never fail.”  Luke 1:37 NLT

-         Summer J.     

I hope that my pointers from my heart and these responses from a few of my girls encourage you!  May you seek God’s Face and hide His Word in your heart.

Psalm 119:11   I have hidden Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

 May The Lord bless you and keep you! 

Patty Lewis lives on the Space Coast of Florida with her Husband, Son and one cat. She is a homeschool Momma, loves having the goal of encouraging others by listening and speaking words of life. She enjoys reading, gardening, learning, exploring, Disney, coffee (iced lattes really sweet), anything with her family and laughing really loud.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash