We hear preachers and Bible teachers say it over and over again: Daily Bible reading or quiet time is the discipline of a Christian.

We also know that when we read and study God’s word, we feel better and closer to Him.

I know for me personally that if I didn’t have God’s word as the foundation of my life, I’d be crumbling to pieces on a daily. It is the guidance for my decisions, the hope when I’m overwhelmed, the peace when I’m frustrated, and the joy in my pain.

I want us to have some truths to hold on to in the times when Bible reading may seem like a chore, a routine, or difficult to fit in or even understand.

God’s word is life giving and like David states, “sweeter than honey to my mouth.” (Psalm 119:103)

Why Should We Daily Read and Know God’s Word?

My son, if you accept my words
    and store up my commands within you,
 turning your ear to wisdom
    and applying your heart to understanding—
 indeed, if you call out for insight
    and cry aloud for understanding,
 and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure, ~Proverbs 2:1-4 NIV

King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, records his wisdom in the book of Proverbs. In chapter 2, he gives us some advice for spending daily time in God’s word. Then, he gives us a list of benefits that we reap when we spend this time invested in the Bible.

1. Accept. (v1) This means we agree with God that what he says is truth.

2. Store up. (v.1) We memorize and meditate on the scriptures.

3. Listen. (v.2)We tune out the world and turn to the wisdom that comes from God.

4. Apply. (v.2) We study to understand how we apply this wisdom to our daily lives.

5. Call and Cry. (v.3) We pray and plead to God for the insight to do His will.

6. Search. (v.4) Seeking out God’s word for the treasure it is with intent and desire.

When we choose to read, study, memorize, meditate, and apply God’s commands to our lives, we will see fruit. Solomon picks up in verse 5 with all of those benefits of studying God’s word consistently.

Benefits from Daily Reading and Studying God’s Word

then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
 He holds success in store for the upright,
    he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
 for he guards the course of the just
    and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Then you will understand what is right and just
    and fair—every good path.
For wisdom will enter your heart,
    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
 Discretion will protect you,
    and understanding will guard you. ~Proverbs 2:5-11 NIV

Notice that verse 1 started with “if” and then verse 5 picks up with “then.” So, if we do all of the things we listed in studying, knowing, and obeying the scripture, then, we will be rewarded with the treasures that are listed in the following verses (v.5-11).

1. Find the knowledge of God. (v.5,10) After all, this is our goal to know God!

2. Freely obtain Wisdom. (v.6,10) James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

3. Have victory. (v.7) He holds success for the upright! Our God is a God of abundance and victory. Joshua 1:8 NIV says, “ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

4. Live under God’s protection. (v.8, 11) We live under God’s protection and salvation when we know Him and follow His commands. Psalm 91 is a great reminder of this truth.

5. Understanding of what is Right and Just. (v.9) When we seek to understand God’s word, then we also understand what is right and just by God’s standard.

6. Discretion will guard you. (v.11) Because we know God’s word, we can have discretion to make the best choice in tough situations. Although it’s not always easy, we can be sure that God’s way is best and He will be guarding over us.

Paul instructs in Romans 6:19 NIV, “Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.”

The truth is that when we are immersed in God’s word, it changes us and we have a new desire to do right and pursue holiness. The key is to discipline ourselves to daily get into the word and to have that longing to understand and live out exactly what it says.

Tips for Daily Getting Into the Word

Here are some things I found helpful when I first started studying God’s word:

• Have a plan. Find plan that tells you what to read each day. Bonus if it is an app or email that will remind you daily.
• Have a place and time. No need to be dogmatic about it, but it does help to find a quiet place and set the same time every day to create a good habit.
• Pray first. I pray Psalm 119:18 before opening my Bible. “God, open my eyes that I may see
      wonderful things in your law.”
• Get some accountability. Tell some one you trust that you want to make studying God’s word a habit and ask them to check in and see what you’ve been learning.
• Memorize scripture. Memorizing scripture keeps it running through our brains and gives us a deeper hunger for God’s word.
• Use a Bible Study Method. Asking good questions during your study will guarantee you are digging in and not just surface reading.