Location matters. What is the importance of where we position ourselves?Verse 8 of Jeremiah 7 starts with, “They will be like a tree planted by the water.”
It’s an obvious fact that trees should be close to the source of water to grow and flourish. This verse brings to mind my own physical location of where I sit down to study God’s word. I’d like to invite you to pay attention to the practical detail of where you literally sit down during your Bible study time. Consider whether you’re in the right location and have the right tools to get into God’s Word.
Firstly, take a look at the physical place where you get into the word. Is it your desk, your couch, or dining table, or on your balcony? Gauge the physical distance between you and to your Bible study tools when you sit down to read.
Like a pilot would do a systems check before take-off, do your own “systems check” by asking yourself these questions:
- How close are you to God’s word? Make it easy and practical for you to open up the word of God. Where do you keep your bible?
- Do you use your phone to read the bible? How do you deal with the distracting notifications that pop up?
- Where do you sit when you study His word? Are you in the same space everyday? Or do you find it hard each day to even find a spot to do any reading?
- Do you have the right tools like a pen, highlighter and journal to get into His word?
- And lastly but importantly, do you have your coffee and tea ready so you don’t have to get up again?
Don’t neglect these practical details because these little things can add up to either help or hinder your bible study time. I find that having a specific spot helps me be more ready to read. Settling down with my writing tools queues my mind to get ready. Avoid getting up again after you’ve set up unless really necessary. The enemy can really use the smallest distraction to get you out of your time with God. There have been countless times when I get distracted and get up from my bible reading and never actually go back to it.
Visual queues are very helpful for yourself and those around you too. It also lets those around me know that I’m doing Bible study and they respect my time and space.
If your desk is cluttered, that can hinder your reading time too. One of the first things you might need to do is set up your space. It doesn’t have to be big, but it has to be dedicated as your bible reading and studying spot. It might just be the same chair at the dining table. Dedicate a spot for your appointment with God to get into His Word together.
Once all that is ready, you can get started and drink deeply from the word. Remember to take in the word by inviting the Holy Spirit to be the One to feed us. The Holy Spirit is our Teacher. He knows what to feed us from His own word. What’s the point of reading the Word without inviting the Holy Spirit to guide you? Ask Him, “Lord, what do you want to teach me today? I’m here to learn and listen to Your voice only. I humbly submit my thoughts and mind to you in Jesus Name.”
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:6)
“However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.” (John 16:13)
What to do today: Take some time today to do a “systems check” of your bible study space. Let me know what what felt hard for you to do in setting up the space.
Then, see you tomorrow when we will talk about how we are to extend our roots towards the stream.
Siree is co-founder and general manager of the Bangkok Christian Discipleship Center. She is a whole-person health and nutrition coach and speaker.
