Going Deep

Why repeated readings of Scripture works

So what’s the magic of repeated readings of Scripture?

There isn’t one.

People ask all the time why I’ve recommended this as a way to hear from God in a deeper way, and this is always my answer. “There’s absolutely nothing special about reading the same book of the Bible over and over. The only thing it does is work it deeper and deeper into your mind and, eventually, heart.”

By reading the same five chapters over and over, a couple of things happen. First, those areas you tend to gloss over in a quick read? They get the attention they deserve, eventually. And second? Words, phrases, themes… they all start to stand out.

If you’re joining me for April in 1 Peter, you’re on day 3 of repeated readings. You’re probably starting to find a rhythm in the reading. You’re beginning to anticipate what comes next. And you’re wondering if reading this all month long is going to drive you to distraction. All of that is normal. I think of the beginning of the month as the days when the words start working their way under my skin; from there, they make their way deeper and deeper, until I can breathe them in and out.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.—Hebrews 4:12

And isn’t that what we need? To be so deep in Scripture that we drown? To have it shape and frame our every day?

That’s what repeated readings do.

So no, it’s not magic. As I keep saying, it’s not even a method. It’s simply a way of going back again and again for a drink at the same deep well of truth.

Thank you for joining in. And please, let me know how it’s going for you! Tag me in your stories, send me a message on IG, leave a comment here. I need encouragement, too! This is a journey we’re on together. May the Lord be glorified!

In Christ,

Heather