Study this Book of Instruction continually.  Meditate on it day and night so you will be careful to obey everything written in it.  Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.  Joshua 1:8

How important is Scripture?  Pastor Rich Villodas points out that, “When Jesus was tempted, scripture flowed from his lips.  When Jesus was challenged, scripture flowed from his lips.  When Jesus was crucified, scripture flowed from his lips.  One of the ways to live like Jesus,” he concludes, “is to internalize scripture, so that when we are cut, it spills out.”[1]

Here are some practices that will help you absorb scripture. Begin by closing your eyes, then ask God to speak to you, like the writer of Psalm 119, who said, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things” (Psalm 119:18).  Fifteen times in that Psalm, God is asked by the writer to teach or give understanding.  Scripture is living and active and God speaks to one who listens, through His Word (Hebrews 4:12).

You’ll have to tackle distractions intentionally. Our environments and our humming minds contribute to lack of concentration. Maybe, rather than reading on your phone, you need to go back to a print copy of scripture.

Reading that leads to understanding is more important than the amount of scripture covered. Set measurable reading goals that won’t be overwhelming as you develop your practice. Short commentaries such as Wycliffe’s Bible Commentary, which is free online, help reveal context that draws us in to the reading and bring additional understanding. How important is scripture?  Jesus’ life dramatically answers that question.

 

Resource Reading:  James 1:22-24

 

[1] Villodas, Rich [richvillodas]. Instagram, December 3, 2021, https://www.instagram.com/p/CXBetZZAlaz/?utm_medium=copy_link.