Study God’s Truth and Think About Applying This to Your Life

God’s Word is the primary way God speaks to you. As you read His Word, your goal should not be to casually read simply for content as you would a history book. Nor should you read God’s Word for entertainment as you would a novel. You read God’s Word to know Him more deeply and personally, just as you would a love letter.

God’s Word is His love letter to you.

Your goal should never be merely to get through the daily reading assignment. Many people read a chapter and check that box on their “to-do list,” but they never hear God’s voice. The goal isn’t to master the reading assignment; it is to meet with the master. If you only read a few verses and yet you hear God’s voice, then that is all you really need for that day. Remember that you were created for fellowship with Jesus, so read listening for His voice.

Now that you are reading God’s Word and identifying key verses or passages that the Spirit of God points out for you, it’s time to dive deeper.

Study God’s truth.

Now that you are focused on a few passages, study them. Look at them closely. Picture what is happening. Write down your observations. Ask yourself some key questions as you study the passages.

Is there an attitude mentioned that I need to change?
Is there a command here that I need to follow?
Is there a truth here that I need to understand?
Is there a sin mentioned that I need to confess or avoid?

Ask God to show you what He wants you to learn from this Scripture.

Think about how this applies to your life.

Once you have a clear picture of the meaning, ponder it in your heart. Think deeply about how these truths apply to your life. This is what the Bible calls meditation.

Many people think of meditation as emptying your mind and thinking of pleasant things. But biblical meditation is focusing on God’s Word and asking God to apply it to your life. (Psalm 119.15 NIV) says, “I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.”

God told Joshua, “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do,” (Joshua 1.8 NLT). When you study God’s Word and meditate on how it applies to your life, you are moving God’s Word from your head to your heart.

This blog features an excerpt from our book, Walk With God.