I recently started studying Saint Peter’s first epistle. In the days preceding the beginning of my study, I made several preparations. I read book summaries, researched supplemental study questions, reviewed principles of biblical hermeneutics, searched for good commentaries, and queued related sermon series. I always make such preparations before studying a Bible book.
However, I recently realized my arrangements miss a vital component: heart preparation.
Whenever I approach God’s Word, I always prepare my mind to receive His Word but neglect my heart. Our heart posture also matters! If we are called to love God with all our hearts and minds, then surely, we must read and study His Word with both our hearts and minds. This means we must get both ready for study.
Therefore, I compiled a list of resolutions to prepare our hearts to receive God’s Word.
1. Resolve to read God’s Word with humility
The wisdom and knowledge of God are too wonderful for us to comprehend naturally. And no one can receive a single revelation unless it is given from above. Hence, we must not rely on our intellect, skills, and knowledge for understanding but humbly depend on the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:10-12 says, “These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.”
Without the Spirit’s help, we do not have the spiritual capacity to understand Scripture. We are foolish babes with depraved minds in desperate need of His wisdom. We must settle this truth deep in our hearts and recognize we can do nothing without divine guidance.
2. Resolve to read God’s Word with reverence
Christian, remember who is talking to you! Every time we open our Bibles, God speaks to us! The living God, the Ancient of Days, the Creator of the Heavens and the earth, El Shaddai (God Almighty), the King of kings and Lord of lords, speaks to us through Scripture. His Word is living and active (Heb 4:12), spirit and life (John 6:63), it revives the soul (Psalm 19:6), sanctifies (John 17:17), nourishes us (Matt 4:4), and testify about Christ Jesus (John 5:39).
Considering who is speaking to us and the weight of His Word, we must not treat Scripture flippantly. For instance, reading it with a distracted mind, taking verses out of context, ignoring the intended meaning, adding to Scripture, etc., We must treat its due reverence.
3. Resolve to read God’s Word with joy.
Reading God’s Word should be a delightful exercise, not drudgery. It is not a chore to check off your list but a privilege we get to do. The Bible writers constantly proclaimed the pleasure of meditating on Scripture.
Jeremiah 15:16 says, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.” Psalm 119:47-48 says, “For I find my delight in your commandments, which I love. I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.” Psalm 119: 97 says, “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” And more (Psalm 1:2; 112:1; 119:16, 24, 47, 92, 111,143).
We also ought to approach God’s Word with such joy!
4. Resolve to read God’s Word with curiosity
Scripture is a coffer that contains infinite treasures; we will never plumb its depth or exhaust its riches. Hence, we should always expect to discover something new about our infinite God. Romans 11:33-36 says, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”
We must resolve to remain curious about God and to search the Scriptures day in and out until we are filled with rich truths about Him. We must resolve to engage in a long-life pursuit of knowing God.
5. Resolve to read God’s Word with patience
Reading Scripture is a pleasure, but it can also be a challenge. Some texts can be difficult to understand. Even Peter, an apostle, recognizes it and said, “as he [Paul] does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:15-17).
We should not expect biblical truths to just leap off the page whenever we open our Bibles. Instead, we must expect times when the light tarries to shine. Reading God’s Word often requires time and effort. So, we must be patient with the process and persevere daily without losing heart.
6. Resolve to read God’s Word with a receptive heart
God’s Word is authoritative. When He speaks, ours is not to dispute or grumble but to trust and obey. We must come before God’s Word with an open heart, ready to take any rebuke, correction, or commandment He gives us.
James 1:19-22 says, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore, put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
Approach God’s Word willing to cast aside any notions that do not align with God’s truth that you may be transformed by the renewal of your mind (Romans 12:2).
7. Resolve to read God’s Word with gratitude
The sacred Scriptures are a precious gift and an immense privilege from God. Through them, we not only get to know and hear from our God, but we can peek into the very mind of God! How amazing!
We often take our bibles for granted because they abound now. But it has not always been the case throughout church history. So when we approach God’s Word, we must always be grateful for the opportunity. David said, “More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb” (Psalm 19:10).
i love your article on preparing the heart. i put on lenses when i read the scripture of finding all the ways god dwells with man and has never left us or forsaken us. this prepares my heart well when i look through that lense. every verse is this very answer of god dwelling with man and never leaving us or forsaking us and then how can i not be overjoyed experiencing His grace because of that. you are right about preparing our heart. great article.
I am thankful that my article has been helpful to you!