“But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
To receive God’s Word—whether reading a verse or two or an entire chapter—means to be thoughtful, disciplined, and deliberative about what we read, which requires a level of focus that may at first be difficult to maintain. But a consistent practice of even ten minutes a day can go a long way toward rewiring our brains for reflection and depth, making it easier for us to increase the time as our desire grows.
David Wells notes that there are three components to every communication—the words used, what the speaker hopes to convey, and the outcome the speaker desires in those who hear—all of which come into play in our interaction with God’s Word. What does this passage actually tell me? What is God seeking to reveal about his heart, his character, his ways, or the motivation behind his words? What response from me does this passage call for?
Whatever the methods we use to focus our minds and hearts on Scripture, we can never forget the wonder that the voice speaking these words to us is that of God himself.
Reflect:
Read and 2 Timothy 3:14–17. What methods or practices are most helpful for you in going deeper in your study and reflection on God’s Word?
Pray:
Invite God to strengthen your commitment to study Scripture and apply it to your daily life.
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