I’m sure I’m not the only one who struggles to study the Bible. Here is my experience so far. I pray that this will help others who find themselves in the same boat.
As mentioned in my testimony I have been a Christian since 2023, just over 2 years. I read the Bible every day, there have been instances where an emergency has occurred or I’ve been ill etc where I have a missed a day, but I struggle to study it. I have done the Amazing Facts Bible studies, the It Is Written Bible studies and been through the Baptismal classes provided at my local church, but they were structured and guided. I’m not good at going it alone, I tend to over think things and make them so much more complicated in my mind. This causes a mental block and hinders my ability to do things. I am aware of it but struggle to overcome it, I need to pray more about this. I do occasionally complete the Sabbath school quarterly and do take part in Sabbath school discussions every Sabbath at church. Beyond this I don’t study the Bible at all. As a Seventh Day Adventist I feel as though I’m not living up to the expectations of being a “person of the book” and am acutely aware that by studying His word we are intentionally spending time with Jesus and allowing Him to communicate with us through His word.
Five days ago, I was becoming so fed up with all the videos on YouTube with negative or contentious content that I needed something uplifting and helpful. I quickly asked God to put the video He wants me to see in front of me. I then opened YouTube on my TV and boom! this video by Rooted with Alex – Adventist Women: 3 Simple Ways to Study the Bible & Why it’s Important, which had only been posted 5 days before my prayer, was in my recommended videos list! I nearly skipped over it not wanting to be disappointed again as I had watched other videos months ago and they seemed too complicated. Thank God, I watched it! Jesus sure does love meeting us where we are and the Holy Spirit continues to use YouTube to reach me!
Alex explained the SOAP method of studying: Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. I recommend you watch the video as she explains the SOAP method and others a lot better than I ever could (men, you can benefit from watching this video too.) It really resonated with me. As I work better with structure, I immediately bought the “Love God Greatly Journal” a SOAP structured Bible study journal to help get me going on my way. I also found the “Bible Verse Mapping Journal” to help me study too.
In true fashion I haven’t started using them yet. I will soon and I will post an update on how I am getting on with the studies. Please pray for me, my sisters and brothers, that I will start studying and will be blessed by it. I will pray the same for you too. There is no better way to spend time with Jesus than reading and studying His word.
