By: Lainey and Ansley Batts
2020 was a lonely year. Social distancing and cancelled events meant building friendships was a challenge. It was a reminder that relationships take time and effort. We recognize all of this when we talk about growing friendships with the people around us, but those same principles apply when we talk about growing in our relationship with God and His word. So how do we grow in our relationship with God? How do we make His word familiar to us?
1.Build your Scripture Streak –
Make it a habit to read one verse (or more) every day. Keep a record of your reading streak. Most Bible apps will do this for you automatically! No one wants to break thier streaks on social media or games, so use that motivation to help you build your faith. Setting aside a specific time each day to read a verse can help you build the habit of studying scripture.
2. Get some good tools
Some passages of Scripture can be hard to understand so get some help. A good study Bible will have notes to help you understand what the verses mean. There are also great free online resources. Bible apps you can highlight passages of Scripture to help you remember what you are studying. But don’t get so caught up in the study helpers that you forget to read what the actual Bible says.
3. Plan an action step.
When you study a verse take time to consider how it applies in your life.
Does this verse challenge you do change your behavior? Does it encourage you? Is it something that you want to share with someone else? Writing out a verse on an index card and posting it where you will see it is a great want to keep it in your mind. Writing your action plan on the back of the card can help hold yourself accountable for applying the verse in your life.
4. Take time for prayer. Building a friendship takes time for talking and listening. Building a relationship with God is the same. Taking time to read His word. And taking time to share your heart with Him.
2020 may have been lonely but 2021 can be the year when we start building a relationship with the One who will always be with us.
Shine! 