“I rejoice in Your Word like one who discovers a great treasure.”

Psalm 119:162

 

For the most part we may be able to relate to what the author of Psalm 119 had to say about the joy of reading and meditating on God’s Word.  But most of us have also experienced dry spells – times when we don’t seem to get much from the Bible.

 

What can we do about those down times?  Do we need to invest in a 20-volume set of commentaries, bury ourselves under a mound of theology books, or enroll in a Bible college or seminary?  No, that is not necessary!

 

Here is a simple process for getting something out of almost any passage of Scripture.  It can help to make your Bible-reading time an opportunity to enjoy God and His message.  First, pray that the Holy Spirit will open your heart to what He would have you learn.  Then read a passage of Scripture and ask yourself these questions:

 

What did I like about this passage?

 

What did I not like?

 

What did I not understand?

 

What did I learn about God?

 

What should I do to apply what I learned?

 

What phrase can I take with me today?

 

This method can help to renew your enjoyment of reading the Bible.  Then you too will be able to say that God’s Word is “the rejoicing of my heart” (Psalm 119:11).