We’ve all been there. Going through the motions, knocking out our Bible reading but not really absorbing it. Checking the “spiritual boxes” but not actually growing spiritually. In fact, we may even begrudge the time we are “losing” because we have things we need to do, places to go, and people to see.
Listen, friend, I get it. We have all been there!
In How to Spend Time with God When You Have NO Time, I share how this lack of attention to my relationship with God affected the relationships with those closest to me. (SPOILER ALERT: It wasn’t good!)
But a couple of years ago, I discovered the power of writing out scripture and journaling a response to the verses I was studying. This opened up the Word to me in a way I hadn’t experienced in a long time.
But why? What does writing Scripture do that inspires spiritual growth?
Writing not only slows you down and helps you focus, but it makes it easier to remember what you have learned and encourages deeper thinking on the topic.
And because of that, you will:
- Begin to hear God speaking to you.
- Feel Him changing you.
- Start growing spiritually in a way that has been stunted for far too long.
Whether you want to focus on a verse or two at a time or read larger chunks of Scripture to see the bigger picture, journaling about what you have read is a great way to understand God’s Word and apply it to your life.
Sounds great but wondering WHAT should you journal about?
Example
Is there an example in this passage that I can/should follow?
Command
Is there a command here for me to obey and follow?
Error
Is there any error on display that I should avoid?
Promise
Is there a promise made from God for me to claim as mine?
Thought
Is there any thought about God Himself that I should take note of?
Difference
What difference does this passage make in the way I treat others, make decisions and/or think about myself?
Posture
Am I taking this passage seriously? Do I really believe what I say I believe?
Life
Am I living out what this passage says on a day to day basis?
Action
If I believed these verses are true and held myself accountable to living out what they say, how would I have to change what I am currently doing?
Remember
What is God doing for His people in this passage?
When I forget this, how does that affect me and all my relationships?
Good News
How does God do the same for us – only better – in Jesus?
Believe
How does believing in this Good News change how I live?
Friend, your time in the Bible isn’t just something you cross off your ToDo list each day. It is an opportunity to be spiritually transformed. Don’t miss out!!