A Long Soak
Seeking God and soaking in God’s word have been emphasized many times in the Bible. When we meditate on God’s word we carry them in our hearts and soak in their goodness and strength.
These are some verses which encourage us to do that day and night.
“(Blessed is the man) who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night.”-Psalm 1:2 NIV
“Do not let the word of the Lord depart from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night.”-Joshua 1:8 NIV
During the lockdown of 2020 I had more time and decided to make an effort to meditate on the verses from the Bible.
Today I will share with you three ways which have helped me study God’s word and make it personal. You will need a journal or notebook, pen/pencils and some colour pencils or highlighters. We are using these methods to study Psalms but they could be used for any book of the Bible.
Using a table.-After reading the passage I draw up a table and fill it in. I used this method to study Psalm 19:7-11
This method helps me see everything about the Bible in one glance. I saw the different ways in which studying the Bible helps me. I loved the beautiful words used to describe the Bible. My favourites were sweeter than honey and more precious than gold. I highlight these phrases and sometimes make small sketches next to them so I can easily remember them!
I chose Psalm 19:10 NIV as my verse of the day. I saved it on my phone. Sometimes I write it on a card and place it by the kitchen window.
They (the ordinances of the Lord) are more precious than gold, than much pure gold: they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
It reminded me of a chorus I had learnt at school. I went about my day holding this verse in my heart and revisiting the many ways in which I am blessed by God’s word. I thought of the many I had been revived, warned and made joyful as I read, studied and listened to the Bible.
2. Making a list. After reading the passage I make a list and study it. I used this method to study Psalm 103:1-5
I read the 5 verses a couple of times slowly and saw that the verses listed a couple of attributes of God. So I decided to make a list. I highlight words which stand out to me and find the meaning of the words and note them down too!
Psalm 103:1-5:
The attributes of God
Holy
Forgives my sins
Heals my diseases
Redeems my life from the pit
Crowns me with love and compassion
Satisfies my desires with good things
Renews my youth like the eagles.
Redeems-regain possession of something by making a payment
Satisfies- meet the expectations, needs or desires of someone
Renews-give fresh life or strength
I then wrote out a prayer using the attributes of God. I thanked God for the times when he has satisfied me and redeemed me. This method helps me dwell on the verses day and night!
3. Reading in three translations I used this method to study Psalm 8.
It has only 9 verses. Verse 1 and 9 are exactly the same. The Psalm praises God as creator. After reading it in my NIV Bible, I read it in my Amplified translation and the Message Bible.
I picked 2 verses to study verse 1a and 8
I wrote them down in my journal and marked words which stood out to me. I used sketches to draw out verse 8.
Psalm 8:1a NIV O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Psalm 8:8 NIV (the works of God’s hands) the birds of the air, the fish of the sea and all that swim the paths of the seas.
Psalm 8:1a (Amplified) How majestic, glorious and excellent is your name in all the earth.
I marked out the words majestic, glorious and excellent.
Psalm 8:8 Message Birds flying, fish swimming, whales singing in the ocean depths.
During my walk, I praised God using the words from the Psalm. How majestic, glorious, excellent in your name O Lord in all the earth. Cherry Blossom trees were in bloom, leaf buds appeared on the trees indicating that spring was not far away. It had been a cold winter in Auckland and with another lockdown in place, this was a verse to declare, treasure, pray and carry with me.
I do hope you enjoy studying God’s word using these methods. I trust they will help you make these treasures your own and live and dwell on them.
Let me leave you with the words of Corrie Ten Boom- ‘Study the Bible,there is explicit teaching on every area of life.’
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shoba Ranjitsingh is an architect, writer, a proud mother and an excited new grandmother who works in a Primary school in New Zealand. Shoba enjoys studying God’s word and her role as a STL at Bible Study Fellowship in NZ for 6 years has enabled her to now write and lead Women’s Bible Studies. Helping women study and enjoy God’s word as they embrace each season of life is her prayer as a writer. Long walks, cakes, hymns, coffee, books and quiet family evenings describe Shoba. Ranjit and Shoba live in Auckland.