from Psalm 119:129-136 “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” v. 130
Studying the Bible can sometimes feel overwhelming—where do you start? How do you go beyond simply reading and truly dwell in God’s Word? You’re in the right place. First, the heart to grow and secondly…here!
I’ve been there – I still am in many ways!
My dad always emphasized the importance of making connections in Scripture. He taught me that the Bible isn’t just a collection of separate stories and verses; it’s a beautiful, interconnected tapestry of God’s truth. This idea was rooted deeply in his approach to Bible study, and it’s something that has shaped how I read and understand the Word today.
Here are some ideas that will help you continue to get better at studying the Bible. This is from the “How to Study the Bible” series, episode 937, “Hyperlinking Your Bible Study” Psalm 119:129-131.
Think about this: The Psalmist has a deep love and longing for the Word: “Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore, my soul keeps them” (v. 129). That phrase, “my soul,” speaks to the very core of our being—the part of us that longs for God, that is moved by His Word in ways we sometimes can’t even express.
But how do we cultivate that kind of deep connection with Scripture? One way is by making “hyperlinks” in your mind between different passages. For example, verse 135 says, “Make your face shine upon your servant.” Doesn’t that remind you of the beautiful blessing in Numbers 6:24-26? “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.” The Bible is full of these connections, and when we take the time to find them, we not only enrich our understanding but also strengthen our memory of God’s Word.
Another key point is the importance of using a physical Bible. There’s something irreplaceable about flipping through the pages, feeling the paper under your fingers, and seeing the words in front of you. While digital Bibles are convenient, they don’t engage your senses in the same way. When you highlight a verse, make a note in the margin, or even just feel the weight of the Bible in your hands, it helps cement God’s Word in your mind and heart.
Next reminder – As you study this passage, I encourage you to pray and invite the Holy Spirit to guide you. Trust that He will bring the Scriptures to life, helping you make connections and see things you might have missed before. Take a minute to consider how they apply to your life today. What is God calling you to do? How can you let His Word dwell in you more richly?
Lastly, don’t keep what you’re learning to yourself. Share it with others—whether it’s a friend, a Bible study group, or even on social media. The Word of God is meant to be lived out and shared, not just studied in isolation.
Try this:
- Begin with the Heart to Grow: Approach Bible study with a desire to grow and truly dwell in God’s Word.
- Make Connections in Scripture: Understand that the Bible is an interconnected tapestry of God’s truth, not just a collection of separate stories and verses.
- Cultivate a Deep Love for God’s Word: Reflect on Psalm 119:129, where the Psalmist expresses a deep longing for God’s Word, showing how essential it is to engage with Scripture at the core of our being.
- Create “Hyperlinks” in Your Bible Study: Strengthen your understanding of Scripture by linking different passages together, such as connecting Psalm 119:135 with Numbers 6:24-26.
- Use a Physical Bible: Engage your senses by using a physical Bible—highlight verses, make notes in the margins, and feel the weight of the Bible to help cement God’s Word in your mind and heart.
- Pray for Guidance: Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your study, helping you make connections and see new insights in Scripture.
- Apply the Word to Your Life: As you study, reflect on how the Scriptures apply to your life and what God is calling you to do.
- Share What You Learn: Don’t keep your insights to yourself—share them with friends, Bible study groups, or on social media to live out and spread God’s Word.
- Keep Growing and Connecting: Continue to grow in your faith, make connections in Scripture, and let God’s Word dwell richly in you, overflowing into the lives of others.
What tips have you been finding helpful? I’d love to hear from you. Share below and …Keep growing. Keep connecting. Keep letting God’s Word dwell richly in you.
More resources for you:
- Listen to the full podcast episode. There, I dive deeper into this section of Psalm 119 and share more insights on how to grow in your study of the Bible.
- Find this and other devotionals to help you grow and have time with the Lord. Dwelling Richly Devotionals
The Dwelling Richly podcast is where I teach, think, share, and engage with you about God’s Word – how to let it dwell in us and how we can return the favor, and dwell in the Word. I invite you to say hi, leave a comment, share your thoughts, and even share this post. Click “Dwelling Richly” on the menu above and explore the podcast, blog, and Bible studies. All free and open to you – be a part of the Dwelling Richly community. ~Jennifer
Leave a Reply