Studying the Old Testament
I have been finding such delight in my early morning scripture study this year. I have not developed a
love for the Old Testament like I have for other books of scripture, so I decided that this year my goal
would simply be to learn to love the Old Testament. I know that it testifies of Christ, just like the other
books I love.
I know there are stories of incredible and faithful people that I can learn from, but I’ve always struggled
to read and really dig deeply into the Old Testament. Even though we are early in the year, I can
honestly say that I am falling in love with the Old Testament. I look forward to getting up each morning so I can spend time studying, and often it’s hard for me to put my scriptures away and move on to the other things I need to do.
There are a few resources I’d like to share with you that are helping me to develop this love:
to read and really dig deeply into the Old Testament. Even though we are early in the year, I can
honestly say that I am falling in love with the Old Testament. I look forward to getting up each morning so I can spend time studying, and often it’s hard for me to put my scriptures away and move on to the other things I need to do.
There are a few resources I’d like to share with you that are helping me to develop this love:
Your Study of the Old Testament Made Easier by David Ridges.
This study guide is in depth, well-written and researched and absolutely fascinating. I read directly from the book and follow along in
my own scriptures, marking as I go. I am learning so much and never once have I found myself waking
up after “reading” half a page with no recollection of what I’d missed. I’m engaged and learning and
comprehending more than I ever have in previous attempts to study the Old Testament. I have all three
of his Old Testament books, as well as one specific to Isaiah and one for Jeremiah.
This study guide is in depth, well-written and researched and absolutely fascinating. I read directly from the book and follow along in
my own scriptures, marking as I go. I am learning so much and never once have I found myself waking
up after “reading” half a page with no recollection of what I’d missed. I’m engaged and learning and
comprehending more than I ever have in previous attempts to study the Old Testament. I have all three
of his Old Testament books, as well as one specific to Isaiah and one for Jeremiah.
Walking With the Women of the Old Testament by Heather Farrell
My amazing friend Heather has done it again. his absolutely gorgeous book is packed with insights into the lives and times of Women in the Old
Testament. With breathtaking artwork by Mandy Williams interspersed with Heather’s beautiful words,
this book is an absolute treasure.
My amazing friend Heather has done it again. his absolutely gorgeous book is packed with insights into the lives and times of Women in the Old
Testament. With breathtaking artwork by Mandy Williams interspersed with Heather’s beautiful words,
this book is an absolute treasure.
My scripture journal.
I am a visual learner, so writing things down is pretty much necessary for me to understand and
remember information. I love adding insights and illustrations to my journal.
(This is the one I use) You can see more about the supplies I use here.
Emily Belle Freeman is sharing a beautiful study guide weekly this year.
She also has a reading schedule to help you finish the Old Testament by the end of the year. I must
admit that I’m struggling to keep up with her pace because I’m studying so in depth and reading so
much additional material, but it’s good to see how much I should be reading each day to be on track
with my goal. I also just finished reading her beautiful book ‘Written On Our Hearts‘, all about
invitations found in the Old Testament.
I took pages of notes marked so many passages that it felt like I placed a book dart on almost every
single page!
She also has a reading schedule to help you finish the Old Testament by the end of the year. I must
admit that I’m struggling to keep up with her pace because I’m studying so in depth and reading so
much additional material, but it’s good to see how much I should be reading each day to be on track
with my goal. I also just finished reading her beautiful book ‘Written On Our Hearts‘, all about
invitations found in the Old Testament.
I took pages of notes marked so many passages that it felt like I placed a book dart on almost every
single page!
Creating doodles and artwork for verses that particularly strike me. I love to look through my
scriptures and see these little additions and remember the powerful words that stood out to me. I
usually create them using these Ergosoft colored pencils. Sometimes I doodle directly onto the pages
other times, for more elaborate pages, I trace images using my light box. (more about that here)
Some things to keep in mind when establishing a scripture study routine:
Find a time that works for you. I am definitely a morning person. All of the most important things I need to accomplish each day have to happen in the morning or it’s likely they won’t happen. But that doesn’t mean early in the morning is the best time for everyone to study. If you’re a night owl, maybe late at night would be best for you, or even in the middle of the day, when your kids are away at school. The point is, find a time that works for your season of life, your personality and your learning style. And then study at that time EVERY day. Making it an unquestionable habit is the easiest way to ensure that it happens daily. It’s too easy to put off otherwise.
Interruptions will happen. You will miss days. And that’s okay, you’re not expected to be perfect. Maybe you or your kids get sick, or you have a sleepless night with a newborn or a heartbroken teen. Maybe your three year old wanders into your room just as you begin to study and needs your help. Don’t beat yourself up over missed days; just pick up where you left off and carry on.
It doesn’t have to take long. If you’ve got five minutes, make the most of those five minutes. If you’ve got longer, do the same. It’s all about establishing a habit and reading God’s word each day. The duration or number of pages matters less than the impact those words carry to your heart.
Ask questions and look for God’s message meant just for you each day. You’ll find that certain words stand out, certain verses speak directly to you just when you need them most.
I am so grateful for the inspiring messages of the Old Testament. I can’t wait to learn more.
Heidi Hillman
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