My wife and I dedicate 30-45 minutes each morning to study the Bible, read a Christian devotional book, and review verses we have memorized. This time of study and reflection has become a vital part of our lives and helps us walk in harmony with God.
I have also started a new method of journaling. I write down in my own words a concept, lesson, or inspiration I find in the Word of God. With a little practice this has become easy, to the point that I have made it a habit to search out a scripture or reflection that inspires me to draw closer to God, and then I paraphrase it in writing to express my feelings and thoughts.
For example, one morning I was reading a well-known passage in the Bible, Philippians 4:4–7, which says: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. … Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This is what I wrote in my diary: “Trust engenders peace. Leaving everything in God’s hands relieves me of anxiety. Every trial I go through is a chance to place my confidence in God and grow in faith. By cultivating trust I can harvest many blessings, not the least of which is peace. Joy also plays an important part, because as I rejoice in the Lord, my burdens seem to get lighter and easier to bear.”
A very effective practice that we as Christians can do is to find joy in the Word of God, to discover passages that grow our faith, move our hearts towards Him and others, make us aware of spiritual principles, and resonate with us or convict us. We can learn to grab ahold of His promises and claim them when adversity knocks at our door.
I encourage you to try this exercise: Look for a portion of Scripture that brings you joy or inspires you to draw close to the Lord and commit it to memory. To further absorb it, write it down or express it in your own words, nothing fancy, just straight out of your heart. It will stay with you throughout the day, and eventually, with a little review, it will become part of you.