“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” –Hebrew 4:16

One of my favorite times of the day is my time in God’s word and presence. There’s nothing like it. When I was in college my time in God’s word looked a lot different without children and a hubby. As the years go by, I have gained a deeper appreciation for my time before the Lord, especially as a wife and mother. I find myself constantly going to God’s word for direction, insight, instruction, clarity, hope, confidence and everything in between! I kid you not, God’s word is the answer for EVERYTHING and EVERYONE open enough to put their faith in Him!

I wanted to share this blog for those who may feel overwhelmed or even intimidated when approaching God or His word. I want to encourage you that God’s word is His voice; it’s one of the ways He speaks to us! As our Father, He desire for us to draw near to Him. It’s vital that we don’t allow the enemy to convince us that God is unapproachable and intimidating. This lie of the enemy tries to keep us distant from God, deceived, discouraged, disobedient ultimately devoured. “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour”-1 Peter 5:8

The truth is this, God is not just present, He is omnipresent (everywhere at the same time) and He is near. What God has to say to His children has so much value and is still relevant today in our wild and crazy world. No matter what stage of life you are in, I hope that something shared in this blog is helpful to you as you go forward in your faith walk.

I used to set an exact time to have my “QT” aka quiet time with the Lord, but as mentioned before, this mama bear has a whole 2 year old talking and screaming toddler and 5 other older children and sometimes I just have to be flexible ya know! Sometimes that looks like 6am time with God and sometimes it’s 6pm or even midnight moments of quiet while the rest of the house sleeps! If you’re able to set a time and place every single time then that’s even better, but if not, don’t make this a ritual and legalistic habit. Be flexible, but faithful in your approach! God is searching for a pure heart posture and not a person with a religious habit but no heart for Him.

“Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” -Luke‬ ‭18:10-14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

One more thing, if it is more helpful for you to use the Bible app so that you can listen to the audio version of the Bible, do that. Faith comes from hearing the word Romans 10:17)! I do this often because it truly is something really powerful about just hearing and listening to the word as you follow along with your eyes. For me, the word of God tends to stick more in my heart when I do this! So whatever you need to do to best be able to hear God’s word, put yourself in that space!

Ok now that the foundation is set, let’s jump into this blog! Here are my favorite 10 Tips to Help you Approach and Study God’s word with Confidence!

1. Remove distractions.

Tv, social media, loud settings. This will help posture your heart as you approach God’s word with honor. God’s word is His voice, so silence anything that would try to derail you. If you’re a mommy like myself , you may have to get creative and include your kids sometimes in on your time with God! God understands your context as a mother so don’t beat yourself up. If you’re able to occupy your littles, then do so! Let them watch a t.v show or play with some toys! Nap time is a great time to maximize on the quiet moments! I have even had sweet times in God’s word in my car parked under a tree so I can have some beautiful scenery! I have even had QT in the bathroom! Yep! Sure have! Coffee shops and walk-in closets make for a good quiet space too! One of my favs is prayer walking and listening to the word audibly! This may look different for everyone and every different stage of life may cause you to switch it up and spice it up! No matter what, simply get in a space where you can focus and find the treasures stored up in God’s word. He will honor your heart to come meet with Him!

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed”. -Mark 1:35

2. Pray and put down pride

Ask God to open your heart and mind to receive His truth. Ask God to remove any pride that could stand in the way and hinder you from accepting God word for what it is. Repent of (turn away from) any sin. Sin hinders us from seeing clearly. Ask God where He’d like to take you in His word! If you can’t discern where He’s leading you in a specific area, open it up your bible randomly (This is called “bible flips) and start wherever the Bible opens to. Another great place to start is in the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)! These book all teach about the life, teachings and ministry of our savior Jesus! Acts is another one of my favorites to start in. It’s so powerful and full of spirit filled and led encounters! Your mind will be blown away! Job, Psalm, or Proverbs are also a great place to start! You can even read scriptures that help with a specific area you may be working through. For example, if you’re struggling with anxiety, look up verses about trusting God or if you’re struggling with lust, look up verses about purity and holiness. The goal is to focus on the solution to your sin or struggle and not the problem of it. The goal is holiness and transformation and not condemnation. You can literally search on google “scriptures about _________ (fill in the blank), and begin reading those verses. Whatever you do, don’t complicate your time with God. Come to Him like a child just wanting to learn and glean from your heavenly Daddy’s infinite wisdom. Come open hearted and open handed to receive what He has just for you. Come hungry and thirsty. He will fill you up! “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied”-Matthew 5:6

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” -James 4:8 NKJV

3. Praise and Worship:

Worship is such a powerful way to set our hearts on God. Naturally in our flesh we are inward focused and selfish. So worship silences our flesh and puts our focus on God. Tell God how good He is! Thank Him! Read the psalms out loud! Cry out to Him! Sing, dance and raise your hands towards Him like a child reaching for their parents to hold them! Bow down before Him! Laugh! Rest in His presence.

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” -Psalm 100:4 NKJ

4. Come with fresh eyes

Remove your own ideas, culture bias, world perspectives, opinions and subjective thoughts that lean towards your way of life or understanding. This will help you look at God’s word from His heavenly perspective and context rather than your own world view and experiences leading the way. Be a detective as the Holy Spirit directs your reading and listening! Step into the shoes of the culture that is being mentioned. Research the culture if you don’t already know about it. This will give you cultural context of what was happening in the word during that time. Also, look up locations that are mentioned and picture the setting, time of day, time of year, etc. Nothing in God’s word is mentioned without a purpose! Don’t overlook any detail! Every bit of it is a blessing!

“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation.” 2 Peter 1:20 BSB

5. Word count:

Count repeated words and phrases that are constantly being mentioned over and over and over again. There is a main point to be made in every passage.

6. Define keys terms and names

Define words and names that that are repeated or words and names that you may not fully understand; also define words that you are curious about. Names are a big one and so much insight is found in the definition of biblical names. Try not to overlook the ones that are hard to pronounce!

7. Take notes

Draw images that come to mind in regards to the word and highlight and underline what grabs your attention in the verses. Write a letter or prayer to God. Write down memory verses you can meditate on. I do this on note cards and stick notes! I often take picture of the sticky notes and put them as my phone screen saver so I can reflect on them during the week. This tip is also helpful for church! I always encourage people to keep a journal to take notes. This will allow you to look back on things months and even years later and reflect on how far you’ve come in your faith walk!

8. RE-RO! Reflect. Examine. Repent. Obey

What did you learn? What convicted your heart? What parts did you wrestle with? Write what you are learning down and obey what God is showing you! Be still and be silent before the Lord. Write down anything He may be putting on your heart. Examine what you may be feeling and begin to adjust and align yourself, your life/thoughts, your lifestyle and choices with the word of God. Obedience is the only proper response when conviction comes.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:22-25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

9 . Share what you have received

Share what you just learned and discovered with a trusted friend or even a stranger God may lead you to share with. Keeping coming back to His word for more daily! His word is so so good; I’m sure you’ll want seconds! Stay hungry for more of His presence; He purifies is in that sweet place! You never know who you just might be blessing as you share, so be bold and courageous and love others enough to share truth. God will bless your obedience!

10. R E P E A T tips 1-9!

The goal is transformation and not quick fix behavior modifications. This faith walk is a journey, not a sprint. Keep walking by faith every single day! Keep showing up! Keep opening your heart to God’s love! The same way you wouldn’t want to skip multiple meals, should be the same way you feel about the word of God that feeds and nourishes your soul. Eat up beloved!

“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself daily and take up his cross and follow me. ²⁵ For whoever would save his life^[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. ²⁶ For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”Matthew 16:24-26 ESV

Remember that God’s word is useful for Everything! Both Old Testament and New are relevant today and useful for everyday living! ALL of God’s word from cover to cover is the very breath of God! His voice matters!

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” -2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

I hope these tips will help you dive into your next “quiet time” with God! Our time with God is the most important meeting of the day! Don’t miss it! Going forward, instead of focusing on reading God’s word, let it begin to read you. God loves you and He can’t wait to have one on one time with just you! Yep! You’re that special to Him! Let Him love on you and lead you with His truth!

Until next time beloveds!

-Amy Isom