“What will you do to make this season different?”
Our pastor challenged us with that question — and a few others — during our 2021 Ash Wednesday service as we began the season of Lent leading to Easter. It’s a question I thought about quite a bit during different times over the next several months in different situations. And it’s bouncing in my mind again as we step into 2022.
One thing I want to do is read my Bible more. I’m not just saying that because I’m looking for a New Year’s goal and it sounds like one every Christian should have (kind of like the adult version of learning as kids that “Jesus” was always a safe answer in Sunday school class). I’m saying it because it’s something that has settled inside me lately and doesn’t need to be ignored.
Have I been reading my Bible? Yes, but it can be easy (at least for me) to fall into a habit of reading whatever key verses are part of that day’s devotional and leave it there.
That’s a nice start, but if we really want to hear God and learn more about Him, we have to do more. We have to dig and think through some things ourselves.
If you’re in the same spot but are antsy about “rules” or commitments, don’t let that stop you.
It’s not rocket science and doesn’t have to be intimidating. It doesn’t even have to take hours of your time — just five or ten minutes is a great starting point.
Here’s what I’ve been doing, in case it’s helpful for you:
- Pick a book of the Bible that you want to read all the way through. I started with the Gospel of John.
- Ask God to teach you something or show you something new in whatever you read. Then read a few verses, trying to really focus on them. Look for things you haven’t noticed before, or for things you might have forgotten from reading those verses at other times. I’ve already picked up on some things that never stood out to me.
- Write down a few of your thoughts or questions. The questions might not have answers, and that’s OK. They might things you want to research later, or might simply be things for you to think about. That’s the whole goal: to think.
- The next day (or the next time you’re able), pick up in that same spot and do it again with the next few verses.
Isn’t it crazy how doing something so basic can help us build a stronger faith and know God better? But it does! (Author Lori Hatcher recently wrote a blog post about this – how taking just five minutes a day can make a huge difference. Read “The Best Way to Draw Near to God This Year.”)
The Bible says that when we draw close to God and have the right attitude about it, He’ll draw close to us.
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 ESV)
It also says that once we start looking for Him, we’ll find Him — and that God loves when people want to find Him.
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13 ESV)
I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. (Proverbs 8:17 ESV)
“What will you do to make this season different?”
My answer to that question for 2022 is to spend more time in the Bible — even just a few minutes at a time — so I can know God better.
What about you? How do you hope to make 2022 a different or better year? What things help you learn more about God or be closer to Him? Let’s share with each other and get 2022 off to a fantastic start.
Happy New Year!
What will you do to make this season different? Just 5 minutes a day can impact your life in 2022. Click To Tweet
I love your ideas for getting us into the wird, Leigh. Thanks for sharing!
It sounds like such a basic thing but really is impactful, don’t you think? Every minute we spend in Scripture is worth it. Thanks for reading — blessings to you and yours!
Great suggestions. I have felt the need to read the Bible more myself. Thank you for sharing.
When you feel that need it’s hard to ignore, isn’t it? Praying that your reading takes you to amazing places with God. Thanks for sharing!
Leigh, excellent thoughts. I find when I dig into very familiar verses with the quest to know God better, He always points out some new tidbit for me to chew on. Happy new year!
Yes, Annie, I find the same to be true. The Bible truly is the Living Word! 🙂 Thanks for sharing — may we find many, many new tidbits to chew on in 2022. Happy new year!
Such helpful tips to begin the new year: prayer, devotional focus, study, and journaling. Thanks for the reminders!
It seems so simple, but can be hard for me to keep on track with! I especially enjoy the journaling, even if it’s for only a few minutes at a time. Thanks for stopping by — have a great week!
My husband reads the Bible from cover to cover every year and has our entire 39-year marriage. We have twelve versions of the Bible, and he reads a different one each year. His discipline to the word is amazing. I am in awe.
Thanks for the inspiring ideas, Leigh. My husband reads the Bible from cover to cover every year. We have twelve or more versions of the Bible, and he reads a different one each year.
I am in awe by his discipline to the Word.
That’s amazing discipline, Jackie — I’m in awe of his dedication right along with you. I love that he reads a different version each year. I’ve not thought of being intentional like that. I’ll have to remember it! Thanks for stopping by.