Four Tips for Diving Deep into God’s Word in 2020
“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.”
Today marks the end of 2019, and the close of an entire decade. It was decade that will be remembered for the rise of the smart phone and social media, the great European refugee crisis, and mumble hip hop (dabbing and fidget spinners will surely pass away into the void). And tomorrow, well, tomorrow the door opens to a whole new decade of life on planet earth.
Every year I find the new year gives a special opportunity for a particular kind of reflection on life - a kind of reflection where significant course correction seems easier and more natural than normal. And one thing that is always high on my list for reflection is how it is that I am reading my Bible.
Although I am a pastor, I am by no means a great reader. It is something that I have to work at. It takes discipline. I so envy those who devour books with ease. However, although it is work, reading is something I love because I know it both brings me closer to God and grows me in faith. Because of this, I am a great advocate of finding a good Bible reading plan.
Bible Reading Plans
There are undoubtedly positives and negatives to Bible reading plans, but personally I feel the positives so outweigh the negatives to the degree that they can basically be ignored. That said, let’s address one. The main argument I hear against a structured plan is the old classic – “it so easily becomes a box-ticking chore instead of the life-giving experience it is meant to be”.
But can I propose a response: if I told my wife that any kind of regular date night is off the table because that commitment would feel like a box-ticking chore, I would be in some trouble. And yet, I hope that it is plain to see that planning a regular time together as a couple is part of maintaining a healthy marriage.
I’d argue the same is true for our relationship with God. The way to war against falling into dull, task-driven Bible reading isn’t to not plan to read the Bible. It’s to plan read the Bible with God.
So with all that being said, here are some helpful tips and resources for you to consider in putting together your Bible reading plan:
Firstly, make a plan
Have you read the whole Bible before? All sixty-six books? If not, then make a plan to start. Each book is unique and vital for understanding God and life with Him. It’ll take some time for sure, but it’s the way God has ordained we grow in grace. There are some great Bible in One Year plans out there, however if the load seems like too much, cut it in half and do it over two years, or even three or four. Here are some guides with some great advice and plans:
Finding a Bible Reading Plan That’s Right for You by Trevin Wax
Bible Reading Plans by Justin Taylor
Secondly, have a partner
Find someone who you can journey with and discuss what you’re reading with. If you’re married, this should be easy. If not, find a brother or sister at church and ask them if they’d like to do a plan together for encouragement.
““Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the water; and you without silver, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without silver and without cost! Why do you spend silver on what is not food, and your wages on what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and you will enjoy the choicest of foods. Pay attention and come to me; listen, so that you will live.” ”
Thirdly, read in different ways
What I mean is this: read widely, and as well as deeply. Sometimes reading the Bible should look like reading the six chapters of Ephesians at once and letting the message of the entire book wash over you. And sometimes, reading the Bible means not making it past a single verse as you dive deep and ponder the way the words interrelate. Never think of wide and deep as an either/or – embrace both, and your grasp of scripture will expand.
Finally, keep the main thing the main thing
Any plan to read the Bible is never just about reading the Bible, it’s about hearing from God. In that sense, the Bible is just a stepping stone to the real goal. The key that unlocks the door to live-giving Bible reading is prayer. Pray before you read, pray as your read, pray when you have finished. Invite God into your space and circumstances. Fight the urge to find satisfaction in ticking off chapters (confession: this is hard for me), and seek to find joy in listening to the words of your creator.
As we embark on a new season of life in 2020, let’s consider a course correction by drawing closer to God once more in His word.