Often, when we read the Bible, we make it our aim to read as much of it as possible in one sitting. But I want to suggest you do something very different. The next time you read your Bible, instead of reading as much as you can as fast as you can, read very slowly. Determine in advance that it doesn’t matter how much you read
– but how deeply you read. Set your heart not on gaining information but on getting revelation.
Certainly, Bible study is very good and the Word itself admonishes us to “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15) But you must distinguish between Bible study and drawing near to God. When you are studying, your mind is searching for information. When you are using the Word to fellowship with God, your heart is seeking to relate directly to Him.
Begin by choosing a passage of scripture. Then purposely, and by faith, come quietly and humbly before the Lord. Let your heart become aware of the fact that He is there with you and in you. Read slowly and carefully, word by word and phrase by phrase.
Resist the temptation to rush ahead and read the whole passage. Instead, turn inward and become aware of your heart’s response to what you are reading. As you do, you will become aware of the quickening of the Holy Spirit upon some words or phrases. It will seem as though God is touching you through them.
When that happens, you may want to lift that portion of the scripture to the Lord in prayer. Speak it out to Him and say about it whatever comes to your heart to say. On the other hand, you might be led simply to read it again and again, holding it and imprinting it on your heart. Mentally, you might not understand exactly why the Holy Spirit is emphasizing it so much, but that doesn’t matter. Just trust your heart and follow Him.
Certainly, Bible study is very good and the Word itself admonishes us to “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15) But you must distinguish between Bible study and drawing near to God. When you are studying, your mind is searching for information. When you are using the Word to fellowship with God, your heart is seeking to relate directly to Him.
Begin by choosing a passage of scripture. Then purposely, and by faith, come quietly and humbly before the Lord. Let your heart become aware of the fact that He is there with you and in you. Read slowly and carefully, word by word and phrase by phrase.
Resist the temptation to rush ahead and read the whole passage. Instead, turn inward and become aware of your heart’s response to what you are reading. As you do, you will become aware of the quickening of the Holy Spirit upon some words or phrases. It will seem as though God is touching you through them.
When that happens, you may want to lift that portion of the scripture to the Lord in prayer. Speak it out to Him and say about it whatever comes to your heart to say. On the other hand, you might be led simply to read it again and again, holding it and imprinting it on your heart. Mentally, you might not understand exactly why the Holy Spirit is emphasizing it so much, but that doesn’t matter. Just trust your heart and follow Him.
Copyright © Lynne Hammond Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
