Enjoying The Word: Some Simple Tools

Enjoying The Word: Some Simple Tools
On Wednesday, July 8th, I had the privilege of leading our prayer meeting in Bro. Ben’s absence. That night, we walked through my personal process for studying the Bible using the H.E.A.R. Method. If you’re interested in learning more about how to journal, I have included a QR code for the livestream from that night. 
 
After hearing everyone’s feedback, I noticed that there was some frustration with simply getting started with the process of Bible reading. So, my aim with this article is to offer some additional “tools” based on my own personal experience that will hopefully help you and leave you feeling inspired!

1. You don’t have to do 7 days a week. 

Personally, I do about four days a week. That way, if I miss a day (which is common with a baby at home), there is room for me to catch up. I would rather do four days consistently than seven days inconsistently. For me, missing a day on an intense seven-day plan can lead to discouragement and frustration, which often lead to quitting. No matter how many days a week you choose, the goal is to build a routine.

2. Have a designated space. 

When you begin to associate a particular space with a particular activity, entering that space makes you want to do that activity. For example, when I walk into the den, it makes me want to watch TV. Similarly, every time I enter my study, it makes me want to read. For you, this could be a kitchen table, a sunroom, or a patio. Regardless, just remember: the goal is to condition your brain to associate that space with reading the Bible.

3. Engage the senses. 

I don’t mean this in a “hippie/new age spiritual” sense, but psychologically speaking, stimulating the senses helps me stay engaged and condition my mind to associate different things with the act of Bible reading—similar to the designated space.

a. Sight
I read from a nice-looking or sentimental Bible. This may sound materialistic, but in my experience, I am more likely to pick up a Bible that grabs my attention. Whether it’s a brand-new study Bible from Crossway or Holman (which has very budget-friendly options) or a lost loved one’s Bible, having a high-quality copy of the Word that captures your attention makes you more likely to pick it up and start reading.

b. Touch
A quality, physical Bible helps with this as well. I used to use my Bible app on my phone, but that all changed when my friend, Greg Forrester, told me:
“If the Bible is holy, then why would you not want to hold it in your hands?” 
The truth is that my phone was the biggest distraction in my life (and often still is). One notification would throw off my entire devotional time. Meanwhile, when I feel the thin pages and the leather material of a physical Bible, it becomes less like watching TV and more like an engaging, interactive experience.

c. Hear
With longer passages, I may use an audiobook of some sort. With shorter passages, I will usually read the verses aloud to myself. This helps me literally hear the Word of God speak to me. Sometimes, I also find it helpful to play soft music in the background.

d. Taste + Smell
I always have a cup of coffee with my Bible reading. Coffee was already part of my morning ritual anyway, so including it in my devotional time adds a whole new element. The caffeine helps me focus, and the taste and smell stimulate the senses and keep me engaged.
This isn’t an absolute necessity, but I also light a candle. I’m not invoking spiritual forces like the occult; instead, I’m participating in a historical practice that symbolizes Christ as the light of the world. 
 
In conclusion, I know that reading your Bible can feel overwhelming. But sometimes, all it takes is a few tools to help you get started—that was certainly the case for me. So remember: we’re in this together! I pray that these tools will be helpful to you and that the Lord will speak to you through His Word. May it transform us, renew our minds, and conform us into the image of Christ Jesus!

To God be the Glory,
Bro. Casey