4 Reasons to Start Studying the Bible this Summer

By Andrea Lucado

Although we are in the business of Bible study, we here at Greater than Gold also completely understand that it can be difficult to crack open a book that was penned and put together so many years ago. Some days we would rather do anything else: the dishes, laundry, respond to emails. But we also understand, because we are in the business of Bible study, how reading the Word can completely change someone’s life.

Summer is a great time to study the Bible. Something about the relaxed nature of this season lends itself to deeper study of God’s Word. So whether you are new to scripture or simply haven’t had time to study it for a while, here are four reasons to start studying the Bible this summer:

1. You have extra time.

The days are longer in the summer. The sun rises earlier and sets later. Many families go on vacation and get a break from the typical busy school schedule that seems to take over come fall. You probably feel like you have a little more room to breathe during the summer, and because time is often the excuse we use to not study the Bible, why not take advantage of this calmer season to jump into the Word for a few minutes and see what you find?

2. You need something to ground yourself during this extra chaotic news cycle.

If you’ve been checking your phone while lying out at the pool, you may have felt your blood pressure rise a little bit. War, politics and crises seem to have culminated in an extra chaotic news cycle that feels inescapable this summer, the season that is supposed to be “fun.”

During times like these, nothing will ground you like scripture. The Bible was not intended for a certain time period or people group. It was written to withstand time. It is something you can stand on when everything else feels like shifting sand. Turn to God’s Word this summer and remind yourself of what is true, good and hopeful in a world full of chaos.

3. You could get through an entire Bible study before the school year starts.

Sometimes, studying the Bible is daunting because there is no end in sight. If you started in Genesis 1, you would likely feel overwhelmed at the thought of reading such a long book. But we have multiple studies that you could start today and have finished by the time your kids go back to school.

For example, Introduction to the Christian Life, Acts Volume 1: The Birth of the Church, and Stewardship: It’s Not All About Money are all studies that can be completed in six weeks or less.

How good would it feel to use these weeks to learn more about God and his love for you, rather than binge an entire series on Netflix?

4. It will help you incorporate rest into this season.

We’ve been talking about rest [http://www.greaterthangoldstudy.com/blog/finding-rest-in-a-weary-world] this month. Summer is the perfect season for rest. There are no major holidays to plan around. School sports are on hiatus. Even TV series take a break in the summer.

Reading, and taking your eyes off the screen for a little while, is a great way to incorporate rest into these months. It slows your thoughts and puts you into the present moment. Reading God’s Word consistently will quiet your soul unlike anything else. Use this season to rest in His promises.