When I was in high school, I had the habit of reading the Bible in bed at night. I’d hold my Bible up over my eyes, and as I got sleepier and sleepier, the verses would get closer and closer to my face. Most mornings, I’d wake up feeling the pressure of the book on my nose and roll over in a panic. To be frank, although I was reading my Bible every night, I wasn’t retaining much of it. I was going through the motions, missing the true motivation.

Jesus, however, teaches us to feed on the Bible, using it for nourishment for our everyday lives. He reminds us, “Human beings cannot live on bread alone, but need every word that God speaks” (Matt 4:4).

In 1 Peter 2:2, we’re encouraged, “Be like newborn babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk, so that by drinking it you may grow up and be saved.”

When I learned to experience the Bible this way—thirsting after its promises and growing in its hope—I found true life in its words. I discovered how it made my relationship with Jesus fuller. I no longer wanted to check reading it off my list. Instead, I wanted to absorb it.

Here are steps for how we can get the most out of our daily Bible reading:

PRAY for focus and openness to see what God has for you in his Word.

READ the selected passage of Scripture slowly. Notice words and phrases that stick out to you; reread them.

REFLECT on what God is communicating to you through the Scripture you’ve read.

RESPOND to the passage. Speak to God directly about what’s on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you’ve uncovered.

Get a daily Bible reading guide for 2018 at ABS.Bible/DailyBible