Usually I’m the adventurous one in the family. It was always me suggesting to my husband that we “just keep going” on a winding mountain road or encouraging my family to take the rough hike instead of the smooth.

Courageous … except when it came to water.

When my husband won a trip to Hawaii with his work, I was thrilled … to sit on the sand, read a book and occasionally gaze at the blue water.  But my husband had other plans.  He begged me to come snorkeling with him, insisting the beauty would be worth overcoming my concerns.

So I put on the mask, held my flippers and stood at the shoreline, letting the warm water lap at my toes.  Although I wanted to wade in deeper, concern kept me on the beach.  Even the ooh’s and aah’s from others as they lifted their heads didn’t move me.  Would the risk be worth it?  Hadn’t I already seen enough of God’s beautiful creation?  Did I really need to step into what felt so uncomfortable to see the rest?

Knowing I’d regret if I came that far only to walk away in fear, I gave myself a rousing pep talk and waded farther out. Encouraging voices beckoned me to come swim with the rainbow colored fish.  Holding my breath, I peeked under the water, shocked to see the shocking vibrancy of cobalt blue and golden yellow creations. Before I knew it an hour had passed.

There was a time similar to the day on that shore when I only got my feet wet in God’s Word. Time was always short; life too busy to plunge deep.  There was always an excuse.  However that changed when I became part of a leadership team at my church. The group’s accountability required me to be consistent. The daily homework guided me below the surface. I discovered I loved it!

Time in God’s Word, delving deeper than ever before, changed me.  Now I can’t wait for my scheduled devotional time each day to hang out with Jesus and find out what He has to say. I still participate in a group Bible study occasionally, but I prefer going through my Bible at my own pace, immersing each day as God leads. Anticipation builds knowing Jesus has something to say to me - something below the surface, and worth going deeper to find.

Have you ever found yourself wanting, or needing, more from God’s Word, but not sure how to get it?  If so, perhaps it’s time to just dive in. 

There are many gifted teachers to help take your study of God’s Word deeper. A Bible study book with daily homework might just be exactly what you need to get started. Often, the accountability of a study group can help establish a habit of carving out time in your schedule. Try rewarding yourself when you complete chapters or assignments.  In one group I led, I gave out prizes to the women who did their homework.  You’re never too old for a little encouragement!

Try adding a new resource to your daily time with the Lord. A new devotional book may include probing questions or additional verses on which to mediate.  My favorite new learning tool was a birthday gift from my husband: a Hebrew-Greek key word study Bible. The original meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words bring new meaning even to the most well-known verses.

There are so many options to assist you in learning the richness of God’s Word. Choose the one that seems like the best fit for you and take the plunge!  And just like me, I believe you’ll fall in love with studying God’s Word, and wonder what ever held you back.