As busy women with a grab bag of jobs, kids, errands, appointments, girls nights, and responsibilities, I’m sure you haven’t had an immense amount of time to decide the perfect study process for your time in the Word each day. If you are anything like me and most women I know, you are reading your Bible during nap time, before your kids wake up (while praying that they don’t wake up as soon as you sit down and open your Bible), or you don’t really know where to being “studying,” but just read chapters here and there. First, begin by giving yourself a little grace, and try this method that I’ve found to be really helpful in the chaos of each day.
It’s simple and easy to remember, and for me … It’s been the BEST.
B-Before, E-Expect, S-Seek, Search, Savor and T-Take Time.
B – BEFORE
Before studying, answer the following the questions.
- Why study? Knowing why will help you persist when you just don’t feel like it.
- Which Bible? You’ve got this one covered. The one in your lap will do just fine!
- Who can keep you accountable? Find a friend and keep them accountable, too.
E – EXPECT
Expect God to speak to you and to reveal something about Himself. Come expectant.
Expect not only to learn about things of God, but to also be conformed to the image of His Son.
Expect the Holy Spirit to convict of sin, to transform and renew your mind, and to call you to obey Him.
S – SEEK, SEARCH, SAVOR
Seek the Lord Himself by spending time with Him in His Word.
Search for and confess any sinful attitudes, motivations, or areas of disobedience. These can make your study of God’s Word ineffective.
Savor God’s Word. Memorize Scripture and spend time meditating on it, so that it is called to remembrance during the day when you aren’t studying.
T – TAKE TIME
Remember that studying the Bible takes time, and give yourself grace when you run out of the time to do so as much or as deeply as you would like to do.
Prepare to study, remove distractions, and don’t rush through your time in the Word each day. Choose a time that is normally quiet. You might even consider partnering with a mom next door to take turns watching the kids or a friend at work who can hold you accountable to taking time during lunch to seek the Lord.
While you are at it, don’t forget that Mother’s Day is approaching quickly. (It’s May 10th … don’t forget like I did three years ago. That didn’t turn out so well.) Maybe get mom (or yourself!) a new Study Bible for Women (which you can get for 40% off right now here)? We won’t tell your mom that you got it for a steal, but she will know that you got a gift that can be so valuable as she continues to seek the Lord in her time with Him!