Three Benefits of Writing Out Scripture
You Can Start Today
Several years ago I was so busy and life was so full I didn’t have time to read or study the Bible very much. I had five children, all under the age of 10. Each day was filled with homeschooling and caring for a special needs child. We had just adopted another little boy from China. God used this busy season to show me three benefits of writing out scripture.
I wanted to spend time in God’s word, but I felt the time pressure. Not only that, I constantly found myself distracted. So, I decided to start writing out God’s word. I purchased a “Write the Word” journal, but then have now moved on to just writing out large portions of scripture in my own private journal.
It has been almost 7 years since then. Throughout the years I’ve not been consistent with writing out scripture, but I have picked it up again the past few months. Continuing this habit has led to many benefits. Here are just three, but I’m sure there are more!
Three Benefits of Writing Out Scripture
Slows us down.
This method of reading and studying scripture allows us to slow down and really read and concentrate on what we are reading. I write slow and neatly in order to mediate and dwell on the words I am writing. Sometimes I will often stop and think about the implications of what I am reading and writing.
Connects us to the truth.
When we slow down, we are able to really focus on the words, phrases, and often missed ideas. Just listening to scripture (although super helpful) isn’t the same as taking the time to read and write out the words. We might notice something about God or ourselves that we hadn’t seen before.
Helps us see the small things.
Over the years I’ve been able to write out many passages. I often choose verses I am familiar with because no matter how many times I read them, I get something amazing out of them! God can reveal even the smallest of truths that turn out to be powerful moments in our lives if we could just slow down and write it out. Here are a few passages I like:
- Psalm 139
- Romans 8
- Philippians 4
- I Peter 1
You Don’t Have to Write a Lot
Ancient men of God would spend hours, sometimes their entire days, just writing scripture. I know we can’t do that, but do you have an extra 10-15 minutes to spend writing out two or three verses each day?
I am currently writing out the entire book of 1 Peter. Most days I only write 2-5 verses day. It has taken me almost two months to write out the entire book. It is a great way to study and go deep into a book of the Bible. This time I chose 1 Peter because it was short, but also because there are so many good gems in there I wanted to uncover again.
Use These Reading Plan
You can either pick a book of the Bible like I did, or take one of these reading plans and print them off. Use them to help you start writing out Scripture. You won’t regret it!
