Three Ways to Go Deeper in Your Personal Bible Study Now!

I have been reading the Bible for as long as I can remember, literally. When I was a kid, I used to read it every night before bed, and daily Bible reading has been a habit that I have kept up with since then.

In the past handful of years, though, I have gone from just reading God’s Word to really engaging with it. God’s Word is a living breathing text. Hebrews 4:12 says:

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Tips to Enhance Your Personal Bible Study

There’s three primary ways I engage more deeply with the Bible, and you can too:

1. Start with a Psalm or Proverb

At the recommendation of my pastor, I recently started the habit of beginning my Bible study time in the book of Psalms or Proverbs. Starting in one of these books allows me to turn my heart towards God and postures my spirit before digging into other text. I find my heart is more prayerful and open when I begin my time with God in one of these thoughtful, poetic books.

2. Write what the Holy Spirit is illuminating to you

Whether it’s in your Bible or a separate notebook, taking notes on what the Holy Spirit is revealing is a powerful way to enhance time with God. Writing allows us both to focus and to flesh out what God is revealing to us through His Word. Whether it be writing out a verse that stood out, jotting down a Holy Spirit revelation, noting historical content, or cross-referencing other scriptures, journaling during Bible study often leads to deeper revelation.

3. Cross-reference

Don’t just read where you’re reading. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring forward other scriptures that inform the ones you're currently studying. If you have studied the Bible for a while, you may find that the Holy Spirit brings other scripture to mind that you already know. You can also dive deeper into concepts by looking at footnotes in your Bible and researching other scriptures that pertain to the topics you're studying. By cross-referencing scripture, we allow the Bible to define itself. Using the Bible to understand the Bible is one of the best ways to dive deeper into understanding God's Word and the heart of God.

Heart Posture in Personal Bible Study

By implementing these three habits in your personal Bible study, I truly believe you will see God’s Word come to life in a whole new way.

More than any specific habit, though, God longs for us to engage with Him. When we seek Him, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). He will meet us where we are and reveal Himself to us through His living and active Word.

So, whether your implement these specific habits or find your own rhythm and routine, get out your Bible and get to studying! He is ready and waiting to meet you there.

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