There is so much to love in the Psalms. This book of the Bible speaks to (and reveals) the heart of God’s people in a very special way. But one of my favorites, one I keep coming back to time and again, is Psalm 19, a song celebrating God’s revelation—the way he makes himself known to us. The first half rejoices in his making himself known through creation. The second half turns from creation to a more specific form of revelation: Scripture.
The Goodness of God’s Word
In Psalm 19:7–11, David praises the Law—God’s revealed will for his people.1 He rejoiced in the totality of it, from its first word to its last, calling it:
- “Perfect,” flawless in all its ways (7a)
- “Sure,” not only firmly reliable but confirmed to be trustworthy (7b)
- “Right,” morally correct and righteous (8a)
- “Pure” and “clean,” fit for building up all who hear (8b, 9a)
- “True,” dependable in all its ways (9b)
Scripture revives the soul. It makes those who hear and obey wise and leads to rejoicing and enlightenment. Basically, it leads people to do exactly what David was doing in the Psalm itself, as he praised God for the goodness of the Law. David wanted people to see that God’s Word is good. That Scripture reveals God’s will and reflects his character.
Or to put it another way, his Word is righteous because he is righteous. It is altogether good because he is altogether good. It points all who read and hear it to the one who gives life, to the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. And because of that, this Word is more desirable than anything else to those who love it. It guides us, transforms us, and warns us when we are prone to wander. It points us to a life of worship—of peace and joy with God. The kind of life we are called to by faith in Jesus, God the Son, who himself is the Word of God (John 1:1).
But here’s the big question: does this reflect how we actually see the Bible? More pointedly, do we see the Bible as being good—for us and for the world?
If God’s Word is Good, We Need to Read it
There are many people who would say no, especially those who have experienced some kind of deep hurt at the hands of professing Christians. What they need is not arguments about why the Bible is good for the world, although there are many good arguments to be made. They need us to actually believe it, too.
That means we are going to have to read it. And not just read it but be changed by it, especially when it challenges how we live. When it makes us uncomfortable because it reveals those areas where we are more shaped by our society than by Scripture. Where it warns and corrects us and encourages us to pursue holiness to greater degrees.
But, as is painfully obvious, too many of us who say we believe the Bible is good don’t read it. We may have many—many—copies of the Bible in our homes and on our devices, but they are rarely opened. While there are many reasons we might not read as often as we should, I think a significant one is that we don’t actually know how to read it.
There is no shame in that. Many of us are never actively taught how to read and study Scripture, which can make it feel intimidating. But learning is easier than we might think.
Practical Tips for Reading and Studying Scripture
In one respect, we can’t forget that reading the Bible requires us to use the same basic skills that any other book might. We need to recognize that rules related to genre and literary devices still apply to the Bible. But there is also something different about it. The Bible has a different character, a different feel and flow than anything else that exists, which is what David describes in Psalm 19. And effective Bible is all about helping us see that with greater clarity. So how do we do that?
1. Use a translation that works for you.
There are many excellent translations available today that take different approaches to reach the same goal: to communicate the message of Scripture as faithfully as possible. And while people cut from a certain cloth debate which is best, the best Bible translation is the one you will actually read.
2. Read regularly.
Whether you follow a reading plan or slowing work your way through a book of the Bible a little bit at a time, create a routine of Bible reading. It doesn’t require a lot of time; a lot can happen in 10–15 minutes a day.
3. Take notes as you read.
Write down what stands out to you. Circle, highlight, and underline different words and phrases. Look for connections to other passages in the Bible. Try to answer these four questions as you consider the message of the text and how to apply it to your life.
4. Pray as you read.
Start your time in prayer, yes. But also pray as you read. Ask God for clarity and understanding when you’re confused, and to see how it all points to Jesus. Ask him to help you read when it feels like a chore and to help you enjoy reading. He will absolutely answer these kinds of prayers.
5. Expect to hear from God.
Christian believe the Bible is the way God primarily speaks to us. It is how God reveals his nature and character, his plans for the world, and the hope we have in Jesus. So we want to come to Scripture expecting to hear from him. To discover more about this God who made us and redeems us through Jesus. While we may not find the answer to every question we have in its pages, we will find the answers to our deepest ones.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
- Derek Kidner, Psalms 1–72: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 15, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1973), 117. ↩︎
