How can I hear from God?
Admit it. Reading the Bible can be confusing. Hard to understand. It’s probably the biggest book most of us have ever tried to read. Just the look of it is intimidating. It’s mammoth. Sometimes the wording is strange, and the topics are way out there. There is a chance you’ve read an entire chapter and realized your mind wandered after the fifth verse.
If that’s the case, why do we need to read our Bibles? Especially if we feel we aren’t getting anything out of it?
We Hear from God by Reading God's Word
We read our Bibles because it’s the best way to get to know Jesus. We spend time with people we want to know better. We ask questions, and we listen. That same principle applies to our relationship with Jesus, and the Bible is the main way He communicates with us.
The Bible isn’t like any other book we’ve ever read. Hebrews 4:12 tells us God’s Word is alive and powerful. When we give our lives to Jesus, He gives us the ability to understand the Bible, so we can hear from Him and be challenged and encouraged, directed and corrected, loved, and reminded.
Just before Jesus returned to heaven, Luke 24:45 says, “… he opened [the disciples’] minds to understand the Scriptures.” Jesus knew he would no longer be physically present to hang out with them, so He gave them the ability to read Scripture and know Him and hear from Him personally. Jesus does the same for us.
We can confidently ask Jesus to help us understand what He wants to say to us. He will use the Bible like a light in our lives, a light pointed on the path of our days, guiding and directing us to what He wants us to do. In fact, one of the writers God used to pen the book of Psalms shares this exact description, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
Three Ways to Get More from Reading the Bible
1. Use a version of the Bible that is written in everyday language.
The New Living Translation (NLT) has a solid reputation as a reliable version that’s easy to understand. The Bible App will give you access to the NLT and many other translations if you want to try a few different ones.
2. Use a study or reading plan.
Studies and reading plans will tell you where to start reading. They'll also provide some explanation or context for what you’re reading.
You can find studies on topics and books of the Bible at www.newspring.cc/studies. Or, text "Read My Bible" to 30303, and we'll text you a devotional every day.
3. Choose a time and place you can meet with Jesus without distractions.
Just setting aside 10 minutes as you begin your day can make a big difference. Over time, Jesus will train your heart and mind to listen to Him, and He will grow your desire to know and hang out with Him in His Word.