Many believers struggle with personal time in God’s Word.  They know it is important to spend time getting into the Bible and getting the Bible into them, but it can still be a real struggle.  When we are feeling spiritually dry or demotivated, we can start to avoid time in the Word, or we can fall into a dutiful, determined diligence – a get-it-done mentality.  We might quickly skim over a chapter or two, ignore the pangs of regret in our conscience, and press on with the pressing matters of the day. 

We might find ourselves rationalising this approach with thoughts like, “At least I read something; so many don’t.”  But would that kind of thinking satisfy in a human relationship?  If we were to “just get it done” and spend a couple of minutes distractedly disengaged from our spouse or our children, would that keep the relationship warm and healthy?  Not at all.  Perhaps we need to stop settling for a personal Bible time that checks an item off a list but offers no meaningful relational engagement with God.

We need to get into the Bible diligently and regularly.  Here are three reasons why we should get into the Bible.  First, because we live in an antagonistic context.  We are bombarded by messaging from a world that conspires to keep us distanced from God and vulnerable to temptation or self-reliance.  Second, because our need is desperate.  The more we grow as believers, the more we realise how deep our sin problem really is, and the more we recognise our utter dependence on God day by day.  And third, because our God is good.  What God is like should be the strongest motivation of all.  To be in God’s Word is to be able to relate to Him, to get to know Him, to continue to grasp just how wonderful He is.  This is the God who, to know, is life itself – we cannot describe just how good He is, but we might get closer to knowing Him if we spend time in His Word.

We also need to get into the Bible devotionally and relationally.  Some of us might be more inclined toward a more cerebral analysis; others, a more ritualistic reading discipline.  Whatever else we may find helpful, our top priority should be to read the Bible devotionally and relationally.  Two key questions can really help us in this:

1. What does God want to tell me about Himself?
2. What difference does God want to make in my life today?

The Bible is, first and foremost, a revelation of God’s person, God’s heart, God’s character, and God’s values.  We are not primarily looking for information, knowledge, or theological sophistication.  We are primarily looking for Him!  And in encountering God’s self-revelation, there will be transformative implications for our lives too.  

These two key questions can unlock a more personal, relational, and devotional response to being in the Bible.  This devotional approach can bear fruit in multiple ideas for our engagement with God in His Word:

1. We can shower in the Word – listen devotionally to the Bible on a Bible app.  Your goal is not to retain every detail, but to be washed by the Word as it runs over you. 
2. We can soak in a Bible book – study devotionally as you choose a Bible book that motivates you and do whatever you can to get to know God better through the study of that book.  When your motivation shifts to another Bible book, go with it and enjoy your study.
3. Share your thoughts with God – journal devotionally as you prayerfully write out your heartfelt response to what you are experiencing in life and encountering in the Scriptures.  A Bible-based relationship with God is so much healthier than any alternative approach.
4. Stick it deep in your heart – memorise devotionally so that key verses that you read or study can be deeply lodged in your heart for future meditation and prayer.  It is great to get time in the Word every day.  It is also great to ponder the Word throughout your day.
5. Say it back to God – pray devotionally so that the Bible that you are reading, studying, and/or memorising can form content in your prayer time.  It might stir you to greater worship, to greater trust, to sharing God’s vision for ministry, or to conviction over the shadows in your soul. 
6. Seek to encourage a friend – relate devotionally so that you purposefully pour the blessings you receive into others that you care about.  It is so easy to talk about sport, the weather, and the details of our day, but what a blessing we could be to one another if only we’d share what God first gives us through His Word.

God has given us an amazing gift in the Scriptures.  Let’s never settle for “getting it done” when it comes to our Bible time.  May God ignite a fire in our hearts to know Him better, love Him more, and live increasingly Bible-shaped lives in these difficult days.

________________________________________________