Do you love the Bible?
I’m not just asking if you read it or study it—though those are important. But do you love God’s Word? Does it fill you with joy and a sense of awe?
For many of us, we approach the Bible like we do a school textbook—something to study and understand, something to check off our spiritual to-do list. But what if we saw it differently? What if we loved the Bible so deeply that we longed to spend time with it, allowing its truths to take root in our hearts?
This is the heart behind our study of Joshua. In this first session, we’re not just learning how to study the Bible—we’re learning to love it. To let it dwell richly in us, as Colossians 3:16 says.
“Let the Word of Christ DWELL in you richly.” Colossians 3:16a
Loving God’s Word: What Does It Mean?
When I think about dwelling well in God’s Word, I think of making a home for it in my life—a warm, welcoming space where it can settle in and transform me.
Joshua 1:8 gives us this beautiful invitation:
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Meditating on Scripture day and night isn’t a chore; it’s a delight. It’s about letting God’s Word move from something we read to something we treasure. It’s about falling in love with the Author as we spend time in His message.
From Neon Signs to True Light
When my son was little, probably 4 or 5 years old, we were driving home and while waiting at the intersection he noticed a neon sign outside a palm reader’s shop and asked me what it was. It was not surprising that he’d notice that sign with its huge glowing palm illuminated in neon pink and yellow. It must have looked like an exciting place to go.
“Mom, what is that place?” he asked sweetly from the back seat.
Do I go into the evils of palm reading? Share the darkness of what goes on in a place like that where lost or simply curious souls go to find answers?
I kept it as simple and as relatable as I could to my innocent boy, I told him, “They say bad words in there.” After some quiet reflection, he asked, “Like stupid?” Aw. So sweet and, yes. In a sense, that’s exactly what goes on in there.
His innocent response was endearing, but it also made me reflect on how often the world’s “neon signs” catch our attention. These flashy, glowing promises claim to offer direction, comfort, or success, but they’re distractions—cheap substitutes for the steady, transformative truth of God’s Word. They speak also to our longing for meaning and answers and our willingness to shortcut God’s way of meeting that need.
When we love God’s Word and let it dwell in us richly, it becomes our guide, not the temporary and deceptive messages of the world. As Psalm 119:105 says, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” It’s not a flickering, unreliable neon light—it’s the steady and trustworthy beacon that leads us to God Himself.
When we love God’s Word and let it dwell in us richly, it becomes our guide,
~Jennifer Richmond, “How to Love the Word”
not the temporary and deceptive messages of the world.
In a world full of noise and distractions, falling in love with the Bible means choosing the true light over the false glow. It means meditating on Scripture, trusting its promises, and letting it shape the way we see and respond to everything around us.
But how?
If you’re wondering how to move from simply studying the Bible to loving it, here are a few practical steps:
- Invite God’s Word In
Think of Scripture as a guest you’re welcoming into your life. Create space for it—whether that’s a quiet moment in the morning or a few minutes before bed. Let it settle into your heart and mind. - Meditate, Don’t Rush
Take time to reflect on what you’re reading. Ask questions like, “What does this passage teach me about God?” and “How can this shape the way I live today?” - Make TWiG Time a Priority
Time With God – “TWiG Time” It’s a simple, daily habit of spending intentional moments in His presence. Whether you start with 10 minutes or an hour, the key is consistency and a heart open to His Word. - Ditch the Devotional
Hear me out on this one. I know devotionals can be a blessing – but, BUT…ditch it if you aren’t actually reading, loving, and dwelling FIRST in the actual Word of God. Make God’s Word your first source, then read a devotional. (Look for the “Ditch the Devotional” blog and podcast episode coming soon.) - Partner with Others
Invite friends or family to join you in studying and loving God’s Word. Share what you’re learning, pray for one another, and encourage each other to stay rooted in Scripture. - Let the Word Dwell Richly
Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly…” That word “dwell” implies permanence—a home, not a temporary stay. When we let God’s Word dwell in us richly, it becomes a source of joy, peace, and wisdom that transforms every part of our lives.
The Heart of Loving the Bible
Here’s where to begin…love.
When you love God’s Word, it will find a home in you. It will settle in and transform you—not just in what you know, but in who you are.
Loving the Bible isn’t about mastering it or being perfect in your study habits. It’s about letting it change you from the inside out. It’s about making space for God’s truth to replace lies, for His light to shine in the dark places of your heart, and for His love to shape the way you live.
Join Me
My prayer is that you’ll fall in love with God’s Word. I’m right there too. I want to not just study but to make a home for His Word in my life – my heart. To truly love the Bible.
The Dwelling Richly Bible study is for people like you who know there’s more and want to discover it together. You’ll find practical insights, encouraging stories, and a whole lot of heart—and I’d love for you to join me as we explore what it means to dwell well in God’s awesome Word.
🎥 Watch the video on YouTube or Listen on the Dwelling Richly podcast: [Link]
💬 What about you? How are you making a home for God’s Word in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you.
Together, let’s love God’s Word, dwell in it richly, and let it transform us in ways we never imagined.
As always, I appreciate your thoughts and comments. Leave a note below and be sure to join the mailing list and stay in touch!
Coming soon: “Ditch the Devotional” – Listen for that podcast episode and read the blog post.
Current Bible Study/Podcast Series: “Joshua: Strong & Courageous” – January-April, 2025
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