You probably know all about the importance of studying your Bible. But do you ever feel like you’re getting much out of it? Do you struggle to make studying a habit?
Picking apart the Bible doesn’t have to be as daunting as it sounds.
1. Consider Your Environment
Is the space you plan to study in tidy, distraction-free, and big enough to spread out? Do you need background noise or complete silence?
Eliminate or Minimize Distractions
If you don’t need it for studying, then it goes. Anything distracting—such as devices, books, or siblings—shouldn’t be in the room, and anything you know you’ll need should stay by you. That means grabbing your Bible, prayer journal, pens, and water bottle before you sit down. If you find people distracting, consider asking them to leave you alone during the block of time you set aside.
Have a Study Space
Basically a Bible book nook! It can be cutesy or practical (bonus points if you manage to do both) or as simple as a spot on your bed. Hopefully over time, this space will put you in a studying mindset and you’ll get less distracted than anywhere else.
2. Style
What type of study do you enjoy most? What things make you interested in studying, and what helps you learn the most?
Type of Study
There are many different kinds of study. You can choose from…
– Topical
– Character
– Word
– Chapter
– Book
That leaves open a lot of options, but choosing which one of these you enjoy best will narrow down how you study.
Try a Devotional or Study Guide
Studying the whole Bible is a daunting task. That’s why it’s not a bad idea to find a devotional to help you get started. Once you’ve determined your favorite study style, it shouldn’t be too hard to find a devotional or study guide fitting your needs. Do some research to find the perfect one.
Listen to the Audio Version
To some people, it makes a ton more sense to hear what the Bible says instead of reading it. Is that something you’d like to try?
Start a Bible Journal
Not all of us are blessed with the extreme craftiness of social media influencers. But even if we aren’t, maybe it’s time to join the Bible journaling craze. There are some gorgeous ideas out there and some amazing tips for using Bible journaling effectively.
Dedicate a Notebook
This can be a prayer journal, a study notebook, or a combination of both. Style the front with your name, scatter stickers throughout the pages, color-code your notes, or keep it simple to make it your own.
Another great tip is to date every entry, so you can track your growth.
Take Notes and Highlight
Everyone’s style is different…some like color-coded notes and highlights, others prefer simple underlining, while still others don’t mark up their Bibles.
There’s not much of a right or wrong way to do this…as long as it’s easy for you to figure out.
Make Goals
What’s your goal with this new study plan? Read a Bible chapter and take notes, pray and do a devotional, or get through a whole book in a month? Before sitting down to study, you should have a pretty solid idea of what your game plan is.
Set Aside a Daily Chunk of Time
I like to read my Bible in the mornings so I know I have time. Other people prefer nights since it helps them wind down. Some might find that the middle of the day has the least distractions and the most consistency.
What time is best for you?
3. Apply
Time to stop scrolling Pinterest for ideas and put your plan into action. Bring others into your circle, take charge of the time you have, and get to work.
Invite Friends to Hold You Accountable
Habit-forming can be next to impossible when we go it alone. That’s why it’s awesome to ask a friend to join you in your new study habits. Or, ask if it’s okay for you to share what you learned that week.
Sharing what you learned is a great way to refresh your memory and start biblical discussions.
Start and End with Prayer
Let’s start our time in the Word with a conversation with God and end on the same note! It does not have to be a long, drawn-out prayer…but I’m sure you or your friends have some praises and requests.
Copy Scripture into Notebook
Remember that notebook I suggested you grab? That’s a good place to make note of the verses that stick out to you and rewrite them. Simply copy it onto a new line or doll it up with fancy fonts and corresponding colors.
Back with Research
Does anything stick out or confuse you? If you have a study Bible, make sure you check the footnotes. Then consider doing some online research.
Memorize
If you’re anything like me, memorization does not come easily. But it’s still important because we have the means to defend our faith.
There are wonderful resources for memorizing anything from tiny verses to huge books.
Form Habits
Have you had a study habit and want to take it to the next level, or are you looking for simple ways to get into a habit you won’t break?
Take a look at your motivation, the times you know you’ll be able to study, the goals you will set, and the plan you have to meet them. Allow yourself some grace as you form a lasting habit.
Let’s be completely honest.
It doesn’t matter how you study…as long as you’re learning, applying what the Bible says, and taking it to the masses.
Hopefully, these tips help you form a study habit you’ll keep for years to come.
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