4 Ways to Read God’s Word: by Andrew Murray

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 1:1-2

Here are some simple rules for Bible reading.

 

1. READ GOD’S WORD WITH GREAT REVERENCE.

Meditate a moment in silence on the thought that the words come from God Himself. Bow in deep reverence. Be silent unto God. Let Him reveal His Word in your heart.

 

2. READ THE BIBLE WITH CAREFUL ATTENTION.

If you read the words carelessly, thinking that you can grasp their meaning with your human understanding, you will use the words superficially, and not enter into their depths. When a person tries to explain anything wonderful or beautiful to us, we give our entire attention to try to understand what is said. How much higher and deeper are God’s thoughts than our thoughts. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9). We need to give our undivided attention to understand even the superficial meaning of the words. How much harder to grasp the spiritual meaning?

 

3. READ THE WORD OF GOD WITH THE EXPECTATION OF THE GUIDANCE OF GOD’S SPIRIT.

It is God’s Spirit alone that can make the Word a living power in our hearts and lives. Read Psalm 119. Notice how earnestly David prays that God will teach him, and open his eyes, and give him understanding, and incline his heart to God’s ways. As you read, remember that God’s Word and God’s Spirit are inseparable.

 

4. READ SCRIPTURE WITH THE FIRM PURPOSE OF KEEPING THE WORD DAY AND NIGHT IN YOUR HEART AND IN YOUR LIFE.

The whole heart and the whole life must come under the influence of the Word. David said: “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119:97). And so in the midst of his daily work, the believer can cherish God’s Word in his heart and meditate on it. Read Psalm 119 again, until you accept God’s Word with all your heart, and pray that God may teach you to understand it and carry out its precepts in your life.