Your Bible is Not a Textbook

Shortly after school ended, my study through the Gospels with a friend ended too. I absolutely loved studying with her, and it was such a blessing to be able to hold each other accountable and have those conversations about what we were reading. As we wrapped up, I began to look forward to what God was leading me to next, and what that would look like for my Bible study.

I settled on a new routine, which didn't feel too much like a routine, and started in Romans. I would read the portion of Scripture out loud, almost always less than a chapter, and then use that to fuel my prayer and gratitude. I'd spend time moving around my room thanking God and praising Him for all the big things and the little things. I talk to God about what I read, reflecting on how it applies to my life and has convicted me. And then, to finish it off, I journaled about the Scripture, usually noting the things that stuck out to me and how God encouraged or challenged me with it.

I love studying and taking notes more than the average person, but this has been so refreshing for my soul, and I think it's because it's easier to through the motions when your Bible study consists solely of taking notes. I found myself neglecting to prioritize much time in prayer, and I felt less connected to God. I was talking to a friend about this, and realized that too often, we treat the Bible like a textbook instead of the living, active, and alive book that it is.

The Bible is meant to be an experience with God, a tool to interact with and to utilize to help us interact with God. We're not supposed to just learn about it, but to use it to grow closer with God and strengthen our relationship with Him.

If we're reading our Bible and continually and consistently feel like we're far from God, like we're not going anywhere in our faith, then maybe we're doing it wrong.

Maybe we need to allow for more space in our Bible studies.

Because if all we're gaining from our Bible study is head knowledge instead of intimacy, then we're missing something.

Time and time again, I've found that slowing down and making my Scripture reading more of a conversation has changed my relationship with God and the health of my heart. It makes me feel more content, more joyful, and really just more present in my every day life. I feel more connected with the Lord and find myself relying on Him more throughout the day. I feel more like myself.

I'd challenge you to take a moment and reflect on your quiet time and relationship with God. Our feelings aren't everything, and we aren't always going to feel like reading our Bible study, but our emotions can be good indicators. Is your Bible study leaving you just as drained and tired as a homework assignment, or are you noticing how it encourages your spirit? Can you tell that, over time, you're growing closer to the Lord, or does He still feel more like a distant deity than a personal Father?

If you're feeling drained or stagnant, then maybe we need to shake some things up. Instead of taking notes, journal. Prioritize praying before and after you read Scripture. Have intentional worship and gratitude time where you are present with the Lord and thanking Him. Maybe you need to get creative and start drawing or singing to Jesus, using your talents and interests to draw near to Him.

One last little tidbit I want to leave you with.

Jesus is interested in even more of your life than just your church attendance and Bible study. He is interested in your whole life, the good, the bad and the ugly. He's interested in your job, hobbies, and relationships. He wants to be apart of your schedule, setbacks, and celebrations.

It's easy to forget that God wants to be close with us and be friends with us. Our Bible studies can become impersonal because we aren't inviting God into the parts of our lives that don't include being at church or reading our Bible. We aren't giving Him the opportunity to move and work in our daily tasks, activities, and people, and I think we miss out on a lot when we forget about that. We miss out on a unique intimacy with our Father when we keep it professional instead of personal.

These are just some things that God has put on my heart lately, but I think it can be an encouragement to everyone no matter what season they're in. I'd love to hear what God is teaching you, whether in life or in your Bible study! Let me know down in the comments below!