Hannah Dunnett NIV Journaling Bible

An amazing bible for people to meditate, dwell, and delight in God’s Word

I love this Bible because it gives me space to meditate in the word of God in a creative way. There is a single blank-column and blank margins on each page that allow you to journal, make notes, drawings, etc. There are also thirty-two pages of Christian artist Hannah Dunnett's illustrations, all of which include verses from the NIV to inspire, motivate, and encourage you to spend time going deep in the Word of God.

Now, why do I think a Bible like this can be very useful? I don't know if this happens to you, but for me there is a difference between reading and meditating in the word. There here have been times when I was reading my bible and all of the sudden a verse that I had heard many times became alive through the revelation of the Holy spirit. Even though that happens occasionally, I find that sometimes when I read big chunks of the Bible without meditating on it I am just taking in information. On the other hand, when I meditate in the Bible it feels like there is a deeper revelation that transforms me to be more like Christ.

Many of you must wonder what do I mean by meditating in the Word of God and why this is something that I think is so good for me as a christian.

What Is Meditation?

Meditation means “the act of focusing one’s thoughts: to ponder, think on, muse.” Meditation consists of reflective thinking or contemplation, usually on a specific subject to discern its meaning or significance or a plan of action. Some synonyms would be contemplation, reflection, rumination, deep thinking, or remembering in the sense of keeping or calling something to mind for the purpose of consideration, reflection, or meditation.

Psalm 63:6 When I remember Thee on my bed, I meditate on Thee in the night watches ,

Psalm 77:11 I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; Surely I will remember Thy wonders of old.

Psalm 78:42 They did not remember His power, The day when He redeemed them from the adversary,

Psalm 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Thy doings; I muse on the work of Thy hands.

Have you ever wondered what does it look like to have a conversation with God 24 hours a day? One of the ways the Lord speaks to us is through His Word, through meditation (His revelation of scriptures), bringing his word back to our memory throughout our day, and applying it to our lives. The Word is the foundation for us to hear God and for us to partner with the desires of His heart. The profoundness and solidness in our relationship with God will grow when we dwell and delight in His word. I encourage you to meditate on Scripture day and night, It will change your life.

The blessing of Dwelling and Delighting in God’s word

PSALM 1:2-3 "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night." Delighting in the law of God is the central issue.”That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

1. Full of Fruit

People who meditate on the Word of God day and night and delight in it yield fruit in season. My heart longs to be one of these people! Have you met a person like this? You don’t even need to know them well, they are people who radiate God’s presence! After you meet them you go away strengthened, challenged and with more hunger for God’s presence in your own life. Their words are guided by the Holy Spirit, full of wisdom and encouragement. I want to be faithful to God, and be a person who is ready to be fruitful for the Lord on the different seasons of life. Matthew 25:21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’”

2. We are Strong in Him

As we we dwell and delight in His word Jesus becomes stronger in us, our leaves will not wither even if we go through the roughest winter in or lives. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says ‘ And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong’

Our joy is set on Christ, It does not depend on us or our circumstances but on God. Just like paul we can say that we delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when we are weak, then we are strong.

This is why I think meditating in the Word of God is so important for the life of a Christian. I am grateful for christian resources like the NIV Journaling Bible that aid our communion with God. As I mentioned in the beginning this Bible gives you space to meditate and journal what the Lord is speaking to you, which makes it very personal. I also think it is so useful and powerful to have the word of God right beside your notes, drawings or any other inspiration. That way when you go back to it and read it, you can always remember God’s faithfulness in your life. If you are searching for a new Bible, or to buy a gift for a friend, I would definitely recommend it!

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Bible references used in this post: (NASB)