Explore SOAP, journalling and other easy tools that help God’s Word actually stick.

Hello Lovely Lady,

You’ve probably seen the “verse of the day” on social media — a pretty graphic, a quick scroll, a tiny moment of “oh that’s nice”… and then it’s gone.

Deep down, you want more than that.

You want the kind of steady, rooted faith that can weather adult kids’ choices, ageing parents, menopause moods, work changes and the weird limbo of midlife. You don’t just want pretty verses; you want to actually know God’s Word.

The good news? You don’t have to invent your own method or spend hours every day. A few simple Bible study methods, used consistently, can take you from skimming to truly soaking.

Let’s look at five beginner-friendly approaches you can try this week — no theology degree (or coloured-pen obsession) required.

Method 1: The SOAP Method

SOAP is popular for a reason: it’s simple, flexible and works with any passage.

S – Scripture
Write out the verse or short passage you’re focusing on.

O – Observation
What do you see? Repeated words, contrasts, commands, promises, questions?

A – Application
How does this touch real life today — your heart, your thoughts, your relationships, your habits?

P – Prayer
Turn what you’ve seen into a short, honest prayer.

Example:
Scripture: Philippians 4:6–7
Observation: God invites me not to be anxious, but to bring everything to Him. His peace guards my heart and mind.
Application: I tend to worry about my adult kids instead of praying.
Prayer: “Lord, today I bring them to You again. Guard my heart and mind with Your peace.”

Method 2: The “Three Questions” Method

Perfect for busy days or when you feel mentally tired.

After reading a short passage, ask:

1. What does this show me about God?

2. What does this show me about people (including me)?

3. What will I do with this today?

You can jot a sentence under each question or simply talk it out with God.

This method keeps Bible study from becoming purely academic. It’s not just, “What does this mean?” but, “What will this change?”

Method 3: Journalling the Conversation

If you’re a natural writer or over-thinker, this one’s for you.

1. Read your chosen passage slowly.

2. Start by writing, “Father…” or “Lord Jesus…”

3. Write as if you’re talking directly to Him about what you’ve read, what you don’t understand, what stirs you, and what scares you.

You might write:

• “I love that You notice the woman in this story. I feel invisible in my own house sometimes…”

• “I don’t understand this part at all, but I want to.”

• “Help me to trust this promise when I’m awake at 3am again.”

Over time, your journal becomes a record of your conversations with God — not just your worries.

Method 4: The “One Word” Focus

On days when your brain feels like porridge, keep it extra simple.

1. Read a short passage (even 3–4 verses).

2. Ask: “If I had to choose one word from this to carry into today, what would it be?” (Peace, courage, trust, hope, compassion, etc.)

3. Write that word somewhere you’ll see it — phone lock screen, sticky note, diary.

4. Whisper it to God through the day: “Lord, help me to live in peace in this meeting… in patience with my family…”

This method doesn’t replace deeper study, but it keeps your heart tied to Scripture when life is full.

Method 5: A Mini Inductive Approach for Beginners

Inductive Bible study sounds intimidating, but at its heart it’s just:

1. Observation – What does it say?

2. Interpretation – What does it mean?

3. Application – What do I do with it?

Here’s a gentle mini-version:

• Observe: Circle key words, underline repeated ideas, note who is speaking to whom.

• Interpret: Ask, “How would the first readers have heard this?” and “How does this fit with what I know of God’s character?”

• Apply: Choose one small, concrete response for today.

Example with a short Psalm:

• Observe: God is described as refuge, strength, present help.

• Interpret: This was written for people in real trouble, not just good days.

• Apply: “Today, my ‘trouble’ is this difficult conversation. I’ll picture You as my refuge before I go into it.”

How to Choose the Right Method for This Season

You don’t have to pick one method forever. Think “toolbox”, not “personality test”.

• Feeling scattered and short on time? → One Word or Three Questions

• Want to slow down and reflect? → SOAP or Journalling

• Ready to dig a little deeper? → Mini Inductive

Give yourself permission to experiment for a month:

• Week 1: SOAP

• Week 2: Three Questions

• Week 3: Journalling

• Week 4: Mini Inductive

At the end of the month, ask: “Which methods helped me sense God’s heart most clearly?” Do more of those.

Bringing It All Together: A Simple Weekly Rhythm

Here’s a sample “real life” rhythm for a midlife woman with a full plate:

• Monday: Read a short Gospel passage, use SOAP

• Tuesday: Re-read the same passage, use Three Questions

• Wednesday: Journal a prayer in response

• Thursday: Read the next section, use Mini Inductive

• Friday: Choose One Word from what you’ve read all week

• Weekend: Rest, or chat about your week’s readings with a friend or small group

You’re not trying to impress God. You’re simply creating a little space for His Word to sink past your to-do list and into your actual heart.

A few final words: Depth Grows One Small Choice at a Time

There’s nothing “beginner-level” about wanting more of God.

These simple Bible study methods are just tools — but in God’s hands, they can become the way He steadies you in sleepless nights, fills you in empty seasons, and reminds you who He is when life doesn’t make sense.

So this week, choose one method, one passage and one small block of time.

Set the kettle on, open your Bible, and let God meet you — not in perfection, but in your beautiful, ordinary midlife life.

Until we get to chat again...

Blessings and Hugs to you my dear friend,

Kindest regards,

Dianne xx