In case you haven't noticed, children LOVE repetition. One of my four kids wanted to watch the movie Cars every day. Another one wanted to read the same book each night. And when I was a 'Big' with Big Brothers Big Sisters years ago, my Little wanted to play the same game every week. Repetition plays a big part in how kids learn and process life.
Sadly, as we grow into adulthood, many of us begin to arrogantly believe that if we've heard or experienced something once, we know it. We don't need to rewatch the movie or reread the book because we already experienced it. But what if we took a childlike approach to reading Scripture, allowing repetition to help us learn and process?
As you hopefully know, we are in a series called Consuming Scripture here on the blog about various Bible study methods. This week, we are going to see how the repetitive reading of Scripture can be a powerful tool to aid you in understanding God's timeless Word.
Years ago, I was part of an accountability group that chose to read 25 to 30 chapters of Scripture each week. But we had a "rule" that if just one member of the group didn't complete the "assignment," we all had to read the same 25 to 30 chapters again.
Initially, I hated this reading plan. I was arrogant enough to think that if I had read the book of Philippians twenty-one times in the previous 21 days, I knew everything in it. Yet, to my shock and surprise, I saw new things the 22nd time.
That's when I learned the value of repetitively reading Scripture.
Pick a short section of Scripture (something like Matthew 5:13-16) and read it 3-4 times in one sitting. During the first reading, read aloud. On the second reading, read slowly, focusing intently on the words and themes. On the third reading, read from a different translation. And on the fourth reading, pray through it, asking God to help you live the Scripture out.
Choose an entire chapter of the Bible (like Romans 12) and read it every day for an entire week. Some tips:
Select one or two verses (like Galatians 2:20) and read it repetitively with a goal to memorize it. It might help to write the verse(s) down on a 3x5 card and post the card on the bathroom mirror, the dash of your car, or the door to the refrigerator. You might even create a wallpaper for your phone and have the verse as your lock screen. Or, you could download an app to your phone that can help you memorize the verse(s). One other thing: many people find Bible memorization easier if they memorize with a friend.
Imagine how sad you would be if there was a law that stated if you enjoyed a delicious meal once, you could never eat it again. Some of the joy of enjoying your favorite dish at your favorite restaurant is the anticipation of the meal! You look forward to experiencing again the flavors of the food rolling across your tongue.
Likewise, you have been given a gift from God called the Scriptures which you can return to again and again. May you anticipate with joy the opportunity to return to it, savoring the life-changing truths He has given us. So feel free to "eat" the Word over and over!
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