Do you know how to engage with God’s word? If someone asked you to recite a verse, how many could you share off the top of your head? For me, the verses I recall most vividly are ones I learned as a child in Sunday school. They’ve stayed with me all these years, offering comfort and strength in times of need.
Some of my favorites include:
- “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
- “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
- “Do not worry about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
These verses are like anchors for my soul. They remind me of God’s promises and His unchanging faithfulness. When I feel lost, I cling to Matthew 7:7 and remember to seek Him in prayer. When guilt or shame tries to creep in, 2 Corinthians 5:17 assures me that I am a new creation in Christ. And when worry clouds my heart, Philippians 4:6 calls me back to trust and thanksgiving.
It’s moments like these that make me grateful for Scripture stored in my heart—truths I can lean on and revisit when life feels overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important to know God’s Word deeply.
The Bible is Our Guide and Comfort
John 1:1 tells us:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
And in verse 14:
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."
The Bible isn’t just a book; it’s God’s revelation of Himself through Jesus. To know Scripture is to know Him, and to meditate on it is to draw closer to His heart.
Joshua 1:8 reminds us:
"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
But what does it mean to meditate on Scripture day and night? How can we engage with God’s Word in a way that equips and transforms us? Popular methods like SOAP (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) and ROAD (Read, Observe, Apply, Do) are excellent, but there are other creative ways to deepen your relationship with Scripture.
1. Draw the Verse Out
One way I’ve connected with Scripture in fresh ways is through drawing. I’m not an artist, but visualizing verses has helped me slow down and meditate on their meaning.
How I Do It:
When I reflect on Psalm 23:1—"The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing."—I imagine a peaceful field with sheep resting by still waters. I sketch simple symbols like a shepherd’s staff or rolling hills to bring the imagery to life.
Drawing makes the verse feel tangible, and every time I see the illustration, I’m reminded of God’s provision and care. Even if your art skills are basic, doodling or using colors can help you engage with Scripture in a new way. See an example I drew below for Proverbs 4:23, "Above all, guard your heart, fr everything you do flows from it.".
2. Focus on Themes That Speak to Your Season
Sometimes, I find it helpful to study the Bible topically, especially when I’m facing specific challenges. Themes like “God’s Peace” or “Overcoming Fear” help me see how God’s promises are woven throughout Scripture.
For example, when I’m anxious, I turn to verses like:
- Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you…”
- Psalm 56:3: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
- John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…”
Focusing on these verses helps me realign my thoughts with God’s truth and remember that He is always with me.
3. Memorize Scripture as an Act of Worship
Some of the most comforting verses in my life—like Philippians 4:6—became anchors because I memorized them. Memorizing Scripture equips you with truth to combat lies, fears, and doubts.
Practical Tips for Memorization:
- Write verses on index cards and review them during quiet moments.
- Use apps like Bible Memory to practice on the go.
- Turn verses into songs or chants to make them easier to remember.
The more I memorize, the more God’s Word becomes a part of my daily thoughts and conversations.
4. Pray Scripture Into Your Life
I’ve learned that praying through Scripture helps me internalize it while drawing closer to God. For example:
- Matthew 7:7: “Lord, I’m seeking You today. Help me trust that when I ask, You hear me.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Thank You, Father, that I am a new creation in Christ. Help me live in the freedom of this truth.”
This practice transforms the Bible into a living dialogue with God.
5. Engage with Scripture Creatively
Creative engagement with Scripture can make it more memorable and personal. I’ve tried:
- Journaling: Writing out verses alongside my reflections and prayers.
- Bible Art: Using highlighters, pens, or stickers to decorate and emphasize passages.
- Music: Singing verses or listening to worship songs based on Scripture, like Psalm 23.
These practices make Scripture feel more alive and accessible, especially during tough seasons.
6. Stay Consistent, Even in Small Ways
One lesson I’ve learned is that consistency matters more than perfection. Some days, I only manage to reflect on a single verse. Other days, I dive into chapters. But every moment spent in God’s Word builds a foundation for faith.
How I Stay Consistent:
- I keep a Bible app on my phone for quick access.
- I choose one verse to carry with me throughout the day, like Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
- I end my day by journaling or reflecting on how God has spoken to me.
Even small efforts make a big difference over time.
Equipping Yourself with God’s Word
The Bible is more than a book to be read; it’s God’s gift to equip, comfort, and guide us. Whether you’re drawing verses, praying through Scripture, or simply reading one passage at a time, the goal is to know Jesus more deeply and let His Word shape your life.
As Psalm 1:2-3 promises:
"But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."
No matter where you are in your journey with the Word, start small and stay consistent. God’s truth is a treasure, waiting to comfort, guide, and transform you, one verse at a time.
If you need Bible verse cards to help you memorize Scripture or carry God’s promises with you, visit our digital shop or our Christian Bible Printables Etsy Shop to find tools that inspire and encourage your faith.