Beyond the Devotional: 5 Ways to Go Deeper in Your Bible Study

Devotionals are like spiritual snacks

They’re quick, convenient, and often uplifting—but they weren’t meant to replace a full meal. If your walk with God feels stagnant or surface-level, it might be time to move from nibbling to dining on the richness of Scripture

This post is for the woman who wants more than a 5-minute feel-good moment—you want depth, direction, and transformation. Let’s explore five practical ways to deepen your Bible study time so that the Word becomes a well you draw from daily, not just a box you check.

1. Study Whole Books of the Bible

Devotionals often jump from verse to verse with little context. But real growth happens when you sit with an entire book—chapter by chapter, thought by thought.

Start with a book like John, James, or Philippians. Don’t rush. Let the story unfold. As you journey through a complete book, you begin to:

• See how verses connect to the bigger picture

• Understand the author’s intent and original audience

• Hear God’s voice more clearly without the noise of cherry-picked verses

Need help getting started? My From Study to Surrender 60-Day Guide walks you through the entire Gospel of John using a simple but powerful method. It’s perfect for women craving depth.

2. Ask Questions, Lots of Them

Going deeper means becoming curious. When reading Scripture, don’t just ask “What does this mean for me?”—ask:

• What does this reveal about God’s character?

• What’s happening historically and culturally?

• Why did the author write this?

• How would the original audience have understood it?

These questions unlock deeper meaning and keep your study time dynamic.

3. Do Word or Theme Study

Pick a word or theme (like grace, covenant, rest, wisdom) and trace it through Scripture. Use a concordance or Bible app to find every mention.

This method helps you:

• See recurring patterns and deeper layers

• Understand how concepts evolve through Scripture

• Hear God's voice more clearly through repetition and emphasis

It’s like a treasure hunt—and it often leads to major “aha!” moments.

4. Engage Multiple Senses

Going deeper doesn’t mean going academic. You’re not writing a seminary paper. Engage your senses and creativity:

• Use color-coded pens or highlighters

• Journal your prayers or reactions to what you read

• Doodle or illustrate verses that speak to you

• Record voice notes about insights.

You’re allowed to make your Bible study look, sound, and feel like YOU.

5. Commit to a Long-Term Study Plan

Depth comes with consistency. Choose a plan that stretches over time—not just a weeklong devotional. Whether it’s studying the Bible chronologically or walking through a 60-day guide, committing to long-term study builds:

• Confidence

• Discipline

• Deeper spiritual sensitivity

If you’re ready to walk out that kind of growth, my From Study to Surrender workbook gives you 21 days of guided learning and 39 days to practice what you've learned on your own. It’s the perfect bridge from shallow to surrendered

Closing: The Feast is Waiting

God’s Word isn’t just informative—it’s transformative. You were never meant to snack on Scripture. You were meant to feast on it.

If you’re hungry for more, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Grab the From Study to Surrender guide and take the next step toward a deeper, richer, more life-giving relationship with God through His Word.

Let’s go from study... to surrender. 💛

If you found this blog helpful, head over to my YouTube for more bible study tips, Bible Studies and encouragement: www.youtube.com/@purpose1six

📥 Grab your free 5-day Bible study guide to get rooted in the Word: Download Here

Ready to go deeper? Check out my 60-day John study: Download Here