Developing the habit of prayer and Bible study requires a
conscious and consistent effort, like the individual drops of water that come
together to form an ocean, overcoming resistance and creating lasting change.
Psalm 119:9-11 teaches the power of God’s word to purify us, while 1 Peter 5:8
warns us to be vigilant, guarding ourselves in prayer, especially for
protection, and surrounding our lives with Christ's presence. On one level, we
engage in the everyday demands of life, thinking, calculating, and meeting
external needs, but within, we can still maintain a constant attitude of prayer
and adoration for God’s hand in our lives.
To break free from old, destructive habits of thought, we
must replace them with new, life-giving patterns. Romans 12:2 calls us to be
transformed by the renewing of our minds, and Philippians 4:8 encourages us to
focus on things that are pure, lovely, and true. Even though one may be
faithful in church attendance and religious duties, the mere act of following
these rituals does not necessarily lead to transformation (John 8:32). Good
feelings alone will not free us. Transformation comes when we allow the truth
to set us free, giving us a true perception of reality. Just like a child
learns through the experience seeing, touching and experiencing water, we can
develop habits of thought by perceiving and focusing on God's truth through
repetition, concentration, and comprehension.
The things we study shape our habits, which is why Paul
emphasizes the importance of focusing on what is true. In today’s culture, we
are surrounded by distractions, often leaving the TV on for background noise,
which erodes our ability to focus. Concentrating on a single thing, such as the
study of God’s word, is a skill that many have lost but can regain with
intentional effort. This focus leads to comprehension, which is more than just
knowing the truth; it is the knowledge of the truth that sets us free (John
8:32). Reflection on this truth, seeing things from God’s perspective, deepens
our understanding.
We often encounter people who, although knowledgeable about
parts of Scripture, misunderstand its broader context and thus fail to grasp
its transformative power. John 17:3 reminds us that knowing God is eternal
life, not just accumulating information. The goal of Scripture study is not to collect
facts but to be changed from within, as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 teaches that the
Bible is for our inner transformation. We must guard against focusing too much
on personal application without first understanding the author’s intended
meaning. We seek a life-changing truth, not just good feelings.
Daily devotional reading is a good practice, but it is not
the same as studying the Bible. Even Peter found Scripture difficult to
understand (2 Peter 3:15-16), so we must approach it with care and effort.
Developing the discipline to study the Bible requires hard work and
intentionality. Start by reading through a smaller book of the Bible each day
for a month. Keep a journal to record what stands out to you and what you
learn. Use study aids and listen to Bible recordings to supplement your reading
and help with memorization. Learn to ask questions, such as how the values of
our culture differ from God’s Word and how we can live according to His truth.
Studying the Bible is worth our most serious effort. It
leads to lasting transformation, making it an endeavor that will shape our
lives for eternity.
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