Navigating through life is not an easy task by any means.  I often hear people remark when they experience something new or totally unexpected that they wish someone had prepared them or that there simply is no manual for many of life’s challenges.  But clearly there is . . . and it’s the Bible.  Yet sometimes it is our last “go to” resource. Various reasons are given for not reading the bible such as it’s too big, the language is too difficult to understand, and it is not relevant to present day issues. Becoming familiar with the word of God and then being able to apply it can literally change your outlook on life! 

This week’s blog expertly details helpful tips to aid you in studying the Bible. It is written by my daughter Micah D. Dorsey, who is an ordained elder in our local church, God’s Way Ministries, Intl. in Columbus, Ohio.

Studying the word of God is a door into His ways, His thoughts, and His heart. At first glance when opening the Bible it may appear too large or read too hard, but I urge you to look again. I urge you to not become intimidated by the complex level of reading within the book itself, but to challenge yourself to continue to read because the word is life, these words are life. It is the way, the truth, and the light. The word of God is uplifting, enriching, empowering, effective, life changing, the life line to God, and it is a place where you find healing and comfort. It is a book that challenges you to live a character-driven life for God’s glory. Where do you go when you want to be a better person, husband, wife, parent, minister, friend, teacher, or a believer? You study the bible! The Holy Scriptures were designed to provide us with all things pertaining to life and godliness.

There is no wrong way to study the Bible, yet I believe there is a right approach to studying the Word. I believe that we should approach our studying of the word with an open mind, heart and the right attitude. Invite God into your quiet time by opening in prayer, and ask God to, “Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. Study the word with the expectation to grow, for understanding and direction, for correction and purification, and for pleasure. When you study the Bible daily, begin in prayer with an open mind, an open heart, and with growth expectations, YOU will be changed.

Where do I begin? Begin with adopting Bible study methods to help you achieve a better understanding of the Word of God. Find a quiet place, where no one can interrupt you, set aside time in your day to give to God and studying His word. In your quiet place invite God in, to lead, to guide and to reveal Himself to you through the scriptures. Always have a pen and a designated notepad so you can take notes. For new Christians begin with stories that you have heard about, for example Moses leading Israel out of Egypt, or Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers, or the birth of Jesus, or the ministry of Jesus.

Start somewhere! Begin with what you are familiar with, the more you read the more in depth you become in your study. If that is too simple for you, go to the concordance in the bible and select a topic to study. It will provide you with the definition of the topic and scriptures that support the topic. I have found that different translations of the Bible are helpful in studying as well. Write down what you observed about the scripture. Then write down how the scripture can be applied to your life? These are some methods that I have found that work for me. The more I open my Bible to read and study, the more I become less of me and more like Him. Studying the word of God will always challenge you, comfort you, draw you closer to Him, and compel you to become a better you in Christ Jesus. Stay encouraged and know that you are not alone!