In 1 Peter 2:2 there is an often quoted verse that speaks to the importance of God’s Word. The word “desire” is used. Some translations use the word “crave.” That is a vivid image about how we should depend on the Bible for our Spiritual Health. So what are some key things that can be done to develop a deeper dependence on the Word of God – to build that craving desire for it in or lives?

First make sure you are in a church that possesses a heartfelt, conscience stirring, commitment to the Word. That should be evident in the pulpit primarily and in the small group ministries as well. If your church possesses this type of commitment you will be challenged in your growth in the Scriptures and the application of them in your life. Being rooted in this kind of environment will help you as you meditate on the Word, for as it is part of the fabric of your community life, it will become the fabric of your personal life as well.

As you meditate on the Scriptures, make sure to ask yourself a question, “how can this truth be applied to my life?” One of the dangers to this can be to list a lot of things that need changing about ourselves as we encounter the transforming directions of the Bible. One of the things that needs to be suggested more frequently is – read less to apply more. This applies to both meditation and application.

To deepen a dependence on the Word, one also needs to make time for it. Jonathan Edwards wrote,

Resolved, To study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently, as that I may find and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

Finally, to deepen dependence, consider areas of your life that you have not considered recently and ask the question, “How does the Bible speak to this?” This might require some topical searching and careful consideration, maybe even discussion with other Christians. It might also be some of the most transforming study you ever accomplish. Remember, the Word of God is the most powerful tool the Holy Spirit will ever use to transform us. If we are changing and not in relationship to the Word of God, it is probably the wrong kind of change. So whatever you do in terms of spiritual health, make sure that you deepen your dependence on the Bible, craving it as pure Spiritual milk, strengthening the framework of your life