Steeping in God’s Word: Get the Most Out of Scripture

The chill of colder weather draws me to the comforts of a warm cup of tea with honey. Recently, I grabbed my box of tea and set out to make my cup. While waiting, I opted to read the directions on the back of my tea packet.

It read: “Get the most out of every cup.“

• Bring water to boiling and steep 7 minutes.
• For stronger tea, use two tea bags.
• Drink 3-6 cups daily.
• To warm up or soothe the throat, such as for singing or public speaking, sip as needed throughout the day.

As I have been seeking to move closer to the Lord, I felt such delight when reading these directions. I discovered that by steeping in God’s word, I can get the most out of every scripture.

Boiling means to get something to: “an extreme degree.” Steeping is defined as: “to cover with or plunge into a liquid (as in bathing, rinsing, or soaking).”

In order for me to get the most out of every scripture, the first step is to take seriously God and His word as the means in which I should live and walk in love. This means:

• Taking the plunge to open up His word.
• Soaking up and steeping in His word.
• Covering myself with His word.

Just as tea gets stronger with longer steep times in water, so will I get stronger by longer steep times in the word of God!

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My Word, you are My Disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32 (NKJV))

Next, this second step is one that I have personally found to be helpful in really hearing God’s voice through His word. The strongest tea involves two or more tea bags, and having stronger knowledge of the word suggests using two (or more) translations!

I grew up reading God’s word through a King James Version bible, but unless someone is truly familiar with that language (which I wasn’t), it is very hard to understand what is being spoken. As I aged, I sought out different translations, and my favorite free resource for access to all translations is the YouVersion Bible app.

There can be controversy about some translations, but when my heart posture is to seek God through His word, I trust that He will lead and deepen my understanding in His truths. As Jesus prayed in the gospel of John:

I have given them your word […] Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. […] I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.” (John 17:14, 17, 19 (NLT))

Step three to steeping the most out of every scripture is this: Read God’s word all throughout the day. Not just once a blue moon. Not just ‘liking’ that inspirational verse that someone else shared. No, I’m talking about immersing yourself in God’s word and receiving His spiritual nourishment intentionally.

I have physical bibles in a couple rooms of my home. These are used during my “child-free” times, and I regularly use my Bible App. The benefit of this is there are certain translations I can audio-play that particularly bless my children.

Additionally, I read faith-based books or complete bible study books which are infused with scripture. There are endless opportunities if I commit myself – like one who drinks 3-6 cups of tea daily.

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! (Psalm 119:9-12 (ESV))

This last application warms my heart and soothes my soul. God’s very scripture is beneficial for multiple reasons: to teach and correct; provide guidance; offer hope through promises; give greater depth of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. I learn who God is and who He says I am. I discover how to share this Good News with others. I identify how to truly love.

Scripture can be used to sing songs. It can be used as prayers when I’m not otherwise sure how to pray. It can shift my perspective by reminding me how blessed I am and how I can thank God for what I have (or not yet). One thing I have found is that it is needed throughout my day.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16 (NKJV))

If it’s not evident by now, I must declare my affections. I love God and His word, just as I love a warm cup of tea (with honey) on a cold day. How have you, or can you, get the most out of steeping in God’s word?

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:103-105 (ESV))