by Erin Pickering

If you’re just getting started with reading the Bible, or maybe you have been trying to read it for years, it just feels overwhelming. You might be unsure where to start or feel you don’t have the background knowledge needed to understand it. The other day, I was conversing with our kids' ministry team, and we talked about songs we used to sing as kids in church. One in particular stood out; truth be told, my colleagues looked at me in awe and humor. Perhaps because I did the motions to it as well. It went like this: 

Read your Bible, pray every day,

Pray every day, pray every day.

Read your Bible, pray every day,

And you’ll grow, grow, grow.

And you’ll grow, grow, grow.

And you’ll grow, grow, grow.

Read your Bible, pray every day,

And you’ll grow, grow, grow.

It reminded me of how important reading and opening our Bible is. How can we grow to know and understand God if we don’t open His Word? It is so vital to our spiritual walk. But opening the Bible can feel like stepping into uncharted territory with no map. With its rich history, diverse writing styles, and profound truths, it's no wonder many can be uncertain where to begin. If you're among those eager to delve into the Word but unsure of how to start, fear not—you're not alone, and there are practical steps you can take to make this journey a lot easier. 

Understanding the Significance

Before diving into the practicalities, it's important to grasp the significance of engaging with the Bible. While it may seem like a relic of the past, the timeless truths contained within its pages transcend the boundaries of time and culture. As Psalm 119:89 reminds us, “God's Word is eternal and unwavering, serving as a steadfast anchor in an ever-changing world.”

Besides, the Bible is not merely a collection of ancient writings but a living, breathing testament to God's love and faithfulness. Every book, chapter, and verse bears witness to His unchanging character and enduring promises. Whether you're reading the gospel of Mark, exploring the depths of Revelation, or reading the accounts of Ruth and Boaz, each passage can illuminate your understanding of God and His plan for humanity.

What Does it Mean to Go Deep in Your Faith?

As you embark on your journey through the Bible, you may wonder what it means to go deep in your faith. Does it require an extensive knowledge of Scripture, or is there more to it than meets the eye? According to Job 26:7-14, true depth in faith goes beyond mere knowledge—it is rooted in application and transformation.

Job marvels at God's incomprehensible power and wisdom and acknowledges His sovereignty over creation. “God stretches the Northern Sky, and hangs the earth on nothing.” How did he know that the Earth was suspended in space on nothing?

In his day, it would have been impossible for him to know that without divine revelation from God himself. Likewise, Isaiah 40:22 offers a glimpse into God's divine revelation, revealing truths that surpass human understanding.  “God is enthroned above the circle of the Earth; its inhabitants are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like thin cloth and spreads them out like a tent to live in.” These passages remind us that true depth in faith comes not from our own intellect or accomplishments, but from our willingness to surrender to God's will and allow His Word to transform our lives.

What Happens When We Engage with Scripture?

Reading the Bible is more than just an intellectual exercise—it is a transformative experience that shapes our understanding of God and His purpose for our lives. As Psalm 119:103 beautifully expresses, God's Word is sweeter than honey to our taste, nourishing our souls and guiding us on our spiritual journey.

When we read the Bible, we encounter God's character, hear His words through the prophets, and learn the history of His people. But more than that, we come to know God deeper, entering into a relationship of intimacy and worship. Each page reveals new facets of His glory and invites us to draw nearer to Him in awe and reverence.

Practical Steps for Beginners

Now that we've explored the significance of engaging with Scripture and the meaning of going deep in our faith, let's discuss some practical steps to help you get started on your journey:

Choose the Right Starting Point: Begin with the gospel of Mark or John in the New Testament, and gradually explore other books as you grow more comfortable. Or what I recommend is to buy a chronological Bible. When you read the chronological Bible, it helps put things in a timeline fashion, as well as all of the events happening around the same time. 

Remember, these are not just stories; they really happened! The accounts recorded are, in fact, historical accounts. Just like we know our family history and stories, the Bible is a collection of accounts of things that really happened! 

Utilize Tools and Resources: Take advantage of Bible-reading apps and pre-made reading plans to stay on track with your daily readings such as Bible Recap or You Version.

Embrace Memorization: Memorize key verses and passages to deepen your understanding and retention of Scripture. Challenge yourself to memorize one verse a month—that’s 12 new verses a year. 

Utilize Study Tools: Incorporate study tools like highlighters and sticky notes. Find something that works like the https://www.thejamesmethod.com or Dailygrace Co. Bible highlighters that help you identify verses and lessons based on categories. 

Be a part of Community: Join a local church or a small group to connect with fellow believers and receive encouragement and accountability in your journey. Take a class, serve on a volunteer team, sign up for an outreach event. We are not meant to do life alone.

Remember that true depth in faith is not measured by the extent of your knowledge, but by applying God's Word in your life. May you be inspired and transformed by the timeless truths in its pages, and may your relationship with God deepen with each passing day. And don’t forget we are here to help! 

Erin Pickering is the Adult Ministry Director at LowCountry Community Church.