Ladies, can you believe the holidays are upon us once again!?

Opportunities to take some time with loved ones and to open our doors, sharing Christ’s hospitality and love with others.

But have you ever felt that January arrives and you’re left a little underwhelmed and a tad weary from the holiday season?

I have!

The coziness of this season beckons us to slow our pace and savor every moment just a little more—one of the beauties of this time of year.

That call seems to get lost amidst the all the others that tell us it’s time to shift into high gear so we can get it all done and have the celebration we imagine.

And before we know it…

…Another season has flown by, New Year comes ringing in and we wonder how we missed it again.

And we find ourselves feeling more exhausted than refreshed.

In reality, instead of picking up the pace, we need to put down our phones, set aside our TO-DO list and take extra time to be still with God.

We must dive in and drink deeply from the water that cleanses us and satisfies our souls. The living, active Word of God. 💜

And to do that, we must become women who are intentional.

Women who slow down, and take heed, not just to the call of this season, but to the call of the One Who created all seasons.

In His Word we find the comfort, encouragement, strength, wisdom and guidance necessary for life.

It’s how we grow in faith, in love, in godly character and above all, in our knowledge and fellowship with the King of the Universe.

We find God Himself revealed.

Listen as the Lord of the universe gently beckons,

“Come all you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, nkjv)

“Be still and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10, nkjv)

And

Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly…
Colossians 3:16, nkjv

So, to grow and go deeper in your time in the Word…

Just remember the 5 Rs:

[Find Free Printable Bible Study Journal at the bottom of post.]

#1. Read

This one is pretty self-explanatory.

However, sometimes we can find ourselves talking about God’s Word all while our Bibles quietly collect dust on the shelf.

So…first things first.

Begin by establishing a Bible reading plan.

You can find a Bible reading plan along with more Tips here!

Start with prayer. Often I pray this verse below.

Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.
Psalm 119:18, NKJV

Take your time reading, don’t get in a hurry—Enjoy!
Write notes or other verses that come to mind in the margin to enrichen your time in the Word.
Jot down any questions in a notebook.

#2. Review

After you’ve read the passage, go back and review what it says.

Now is also the time to look for answers to any ?s you jotted down while reading.

First, Review what the text is literally saying, then Reflect on what implications it has for your life personally.

While every word of the Bible was written for each one of us, it wasn’t necessarily written to us.

In our eagerness to get something that applies to our current circumstances often we jump straight to applying the text to ourselves, skipping the step that helps us understand His Word more deeply as well as apply it correctly.

Before asking, what does this passage mean for me, we must ask what does this passage mean?

Examine, then apply.

Questions to ask:

What is the passage literally saying?
Who is speaking?
To whom is he speaking?
What is the context? (Hint: the verses that come before and after.)
What was the cultural context?
What was the historical context?

A good study Bible goes a long way in helping with these questions, (you can find some of my recommendations here)

Also, the Bible Project has really helpful videos that give a good overview to Books of the Bible, etc.

Always remember, even the best commentaries are no replacement for the inerrant God-breathed Word. 😉

#3. Reflect

After we look at what God is saying in this passage, then comes the time for application.

Questions to ask:

What does this passage reveal to us about God? (About Who He is, What He’s done, what He will do?)
What does this passage reveal about humans?
Is there a warning, a sin mentioned, a command or an exhortation?
How does this passage give hope, encouragement, comfort, etc. during my current circumstances?
How can I live out what I’ve learned in my daily life?

#4 + #5. Rejoice & Respond in Prayer

God has spoken to you, now it’s time for you to speak to Him.

I combined the last 2 Rs because they are linked together in prayer.

Take a moment to…

Rejoice:

In His character (What did what you read reveal to you about God and Who He is?)
In His word
In His plan.

I rejoice in Your Word as one who finds great treasure.
Psalm 119:162, NKJV

My lips shall utter praise, for You teach me Your statutes.
Psalm 119:171, NKJV

His Word deserves and demands a response from us.

What are we going to do with the truth God has revealed to us?

Too many times, I’ve read and reviewed the text, understanding the application for my life and then closed my Bible and continued about my day, quickly forgetting what the Lord had taught me and without doing anything with it.

So I’ve realized the importance of talking with God about what He teaches me. And God is helping me to slow down and grow in this.

Respond:

Thank Him for speaking to you.
Share with Him What you are going to do with what He taught you in your life (how you will live it out.)
Ask for His help to walk in His way.

I will not go into the chamber of my house, or go up to the comfort of my bed; I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.
Psalm 132:3-5, NKJV

Final Words of Encouragement

Time studying God’s Word will look differently to a momma of a newborn than it will to a full-time homemaker whose children are grown.

There’s no certain time limit or amount of chapters that we must read per day mentioned in Scripture.

It simply says that we are to meditate day and night upon Gods Word. (Psalm 1, Joshua 1:8)

Each stage of life is different and we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others or even previous stages in our lives. (2 Corinthians 10:12)

God gives grace during difficult times and also times when we don’t dig deep into His Word.

His love for His children is like His character, steadfast and unchanging.

But one thing that is certain, despite the challenges, we all desperately need God and His Word in every stage of life.

So, if you are in one of those stages when it seems almost impossible to study the Bible, ask God for wisdom on how you can do it, then rest in His faithfulness to answer (James 1:5-7) and take comfort in His love for you.

Other times, however, we simply need to repent and cut out certain things to make time for our Lord, Who gave everything for us.

If that is the case, take heart that He is ready to forgive and waiting with open arms to receive you back into fellowship with Him.

I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek your servant, for I do not forget You commandments.”
Psalm 119:176

Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way.
Psalm 119:37

If you’ve never experienced a personal relationship with your Creator, the Bible says, “faith comes through hearing and hearing through the Word of God.”

His Word tells us that all of us have sinned and are separated from fellowship with our Creator. (Romans 3:23)

But in His great love, Jesus lived the perfect life you and I cannot, took our punishment on the cross, died and rose the 3rd day according to the Scriptures, defeating death and sin. (1 Corinthians 15:4)

It truly contains the Good News that although “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, nkjv)

And that “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, nkjv)

Turn from your sins, turn to Him and as Jesus said,

Most assuredly I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”
John 5:24, NKJV