Finding Treasure in God's Word

New Year. New resolutions. New Bible reading plan. But wait, why are we talking about New Year’s resolutions in March? Because I suspect that, for many of us, our reading plan fizzled out somewhere around February 21. Or the lists of unclean animals in Leviticus. 

We all know it’s important to read Scripture regularly. So we choose a Bible reading plan and then life happens. We forget a few days and then spend extra time rushing through to catch up. Fatigue and stress hinder our efforts -- so we skim quickly, check the box, and move on with our day.  We don’t feel encouraged or inspired; we wonder if it’s worth the time. 

Sigh. I’ve been there. My bookmark has stalled in Leviticus many times!

So how do we make good on our reading resolutions? How do we read all of Scripture -- yes, even Leviticus -- regularly, thoughtfully, and productively? 

Maybe we need to change our perspective! We typically see Bible reading as a plan to be executed with checkboxes to mark. Instead of thinking of it as another part of our “to do” list, let’s approach Bible reading as an adventure. This adventure is a life-changing experience! As Proverbs 2:4-5 says, “If you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.”

Here are some ways to embark on your treasure-seeking, Bible reading adventure.

Chart your treasure map. 
It’s great to have a goal, but expecting to finish the Bible in a year may not be realistic. If you’ve chosen a year-long plan, ignore the dates. When you miss a day, just start where you left off. Don’t try to catch up on one, two, or twelve, days all at once. If it takes 615 days instead of 365 -- you’ve still read the entire Bible. That’s reason for celebration! 

Adjust your compass.
As long as you are ignoring the dates, rather than working through the reading plan each day, make a goal of reading 4-5 times a week. Then use the other days to spend time reading for your small group study, looking back at the sermon notes from the last week, or doing a deeper dive on a topic or passage. 

Widen your treasure field. 
Since you won’t be following the plan every day, consider reading the Bible like you would another piece of literature. Read 5-10 chapters at once. You will start to see the repeated ideas and get a better feel for the human author’s style and tone. 

Return to the treasure.
Another way to notice themes and tone from a specific book of the Bible is to read that book repeatedly over a short period of time. Instead of quickly moving on to the next book, read it again. And maybe a third time. This is the first step in doing an in-depth study of the book! 

Survey your treasure.
After you read, write a one sentence summary of each chapter. If you use a journaling Bible, write it at the top of the page. Or start a notebook just for chapter summaries. This is a great tool to help you remember what you read. When you start reading the next day, go back and read the summaries from the previous chapters. It will remind you of the context of what you are about to read. Chapter summaries are also a great way to create an outline of the book if you are going to do a deeper study of the book. 

Seek help from the treasure’s Master. 
Ready your heart to learn from the Word by asking for help from the Author! Matt Smethhurst encourages us to read humbly, joyfully, desperately, studiously, obediently, expectantly, communally, and Christocentrically.  In his book, Before You Open Your Bible: Nine Postures for Approaching God’s Word, he explains how these heart attitudes can reenergize our Bible reading adventure.

Celebrate the quest.
Treasure-seeking can be exciting, but it can also be hard work. You may get lost; you may not find nuggets of wisdom. Your adventure doesn’t always end in feeling encouraged or inspired. That’s okay! Your feelings are not the indication of the effectiveness of the Word. Regardless of the immediate outcome, you can be assured that God is working in your life through his Word. Spend some time thanking Him for Scripture and how His Word will bear fruit in the days and years to come.

The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.
Psalm 19:7-11

​