SAY IT ALOUD!

So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. Romans 10:17 (NLT)

I love spending time doing devotions, but reading God’s Word quietly in my head doesn’t work for me. I fall asleep when I read to myself! Maybe the same thing happens to you. If so, let me share a couple of ways that I’ve found help me get God’s Word into my heart.

Today’s scripture says faith comes from hearing, so in order to listen to it, I read out loud. Now, if I’m somewhere in public where I can’t, like on a plane or in a restaurant, then I’ll read it aloud in my head. If I’m alone, I’ll mutter it audibly to myself.

I also find that reading the Word of God with expression helps it to sink into my spirit. For example, I don’t just take Psalm 119:11 (NKJV) and flatly say, “Your word I have hidden in my heart….”

Since I’m trying to get His Word to take root down inside me, I’ll pronounce nouns and verbs powerfully. I’ll declare, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”

I have also found that concentration is vital. I’m a speed reader, so when I’m trying to devour the Word, I make myself slow down and focus. Forcing myself to read slowly and pronounce certain words strongly helps the verses to stick.

Little things like reading slowly, expressively and out loud (or aloud in my head) may sound simple, but they all help me to get God’s Word planted in my heart.

There are many effective ways to study the Bible. Don’t be afraid to try out different methods to find what works best for you, and watch how it changes your devotional time.