“I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.” – Psalm 119:15, NLT.
Most of the time people read the Bible without studying it. Studying involves devoting time and attention to acquire knowledge. You look at something closely in order to observe. God’s voice is in prints (the Bible). How can we hear from Him if we don’t pay close attention to what He is telling us? The more we study the Scriptures, the more we are able to know His voice.
Luke 24:45 (NIV) says, “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” God opens our mind to receive light when we desire to get understanding. God spoke to Moses when he drew closer to the burning bush. Beloved, take time to study the Word. Studying the Word helps us to meditate and memorize verses.
The Word stays in our memory which helps us in our walk with God. Studying the Word is more like planting a seed in the soil and watering it to germinate and as it (the Word) germinates in you, it bears fruit. On the other hand, reading the Word is like having the seed in your hand without planting it. The probability of losing the seed is really high. Let us hide the word of God in our hearts/spirits so that we will be able to stand firm in the faith.
Psalm 119:47 ~ “And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.” The Contemporary English Version says, “I love your commands! They bring me happiness.” Studying the Word unlocks hidden truths and it also matures you in the things of God. In other words it makes you skillful. Don’t just read the Word, study it.