If you are a Bible study beginner, you may find tackling such a dense and ancient text overwhelming. But don’t despair and know that you are not alone. This is a common struggle for many people, even those who aren’t beginners!

In this post, I will try to make your time in Scripture a little easier by sharing a few helpful tips for Bible study. Studying the Bible requires some patience (I know, I don’t like that word either!) and dedication, but with a bit of nurturing, you’ll start to understand and enjoy it more.

Let’s start with 3 key components to making studying the Bible easier.

• Your Bible – I know this sounds like a given, but choosing a Bible that you like really does help. If you have one that is suited to you, both in the aesthetic as well as the version you connect with best, you’ll feel more engaged with it and that will help you dig a little deeper. Especially when things get tough. I find that a study Bible with a good commentary in it helps me to understand more. Here is the exact one I use for my regular study.
• Journaling Supplies – This doesn’t have to be complicated, just a pen and paper will do. Even if you don’t normally do any journaling, writing down a few things that stick out to you when you’re doing Bible study will help you to engage with the content you’re reading. Plus it will help you to remember it and apply it later on. There are also lots of fun tools available to help you with Bible journaling on Amazon. Don’t get overwhelmed with the choices, some simple Bible highlighters would be a great start.

• Study Guide – Following along with a Bible study on a particular topic that interests you will make things click a lot easier, especially as a beginner. It’s hard to know where to look and how things connect. Studying along with a guide that’s written out for you will really help you dig in and understand what you are reading. Plus you’ll get insights you may not have picked up on if you just read it on your own without the context of that particular study. I regularly publish original Bible studies for our Growers Club members. You can check that out here and get your first month (which includes a great beginners Bible study!) for free.

Now that you have all the key components, here’s a few tips for making things easier.

• Prayer – I feel the number one thing you can do to make your study time meaningful and effective is to start with prayer. As the Holy Spirit within you to guide you on your journey into the Scriptures and help you understand. Ask for wisdom, along with an open heart and open mind to receive what you are learning.
• Consistency – If possible, set aside time – every day or every few days – to read and study. This could be a simple 10 minutes first thing in the morning, or even on your lunch break from work. The key is to just start and make it a habit.
• Journaling – Like I mentioned above, journaling your study time will help you to remember what you’ve read and learned. You can also write out questions you have and use these questions to dig into other Scriptures later on.
• Commentaries – Using commentaries written by Bible scholars is extremely helpful in uncovering details relevant to cultural backgrounds or other nuances within the text. The more details you can uncover the more profound your study time will become.
• Fun – I know that many don’t equate Bible study with fun, but I think that if you have fun while doing something, you’ll want to do more of it! So why not have fun with your Bible study time? Although the Bible is the holy Word of God and should be revered, that doesn’t mean it has to be boring or make you feel discouraged. God isn’t against fun! 🙂 Fun is going to look different to everyone, so find what works for you. If you are an artist, maybe drawing out a scene you are reading will appeal to you. Love music? Put on a good worship playlist while you are studying. Crafty? Make something that goes along with your lesson. There are many ways to add fun and creativity into your studies.

Studying God’s Word as a beginner doesn’t have to be intimidating – it can actually be quite enjoyable when approached with an open heart and a spirit of fun! By committing to get started and using the tips above, spiritual growth will gradually unfold before you like the blooms of springtime. (You know I had to throw a gardening reference in there somewhere!) So take some time today to pull out your Bible, find a comfy spot, pour yourself a cup of something yummy, and plant yourself firmly into His Word.