Observation focuses on what the text SAYS.

Wherever you are reading this page, stop and take a look around. Choose an object in sight. At first glance, what is this object? How would you describe it in one or two words? Now look at the object again, trying to observe at least 20 different details. Is it smooth or round? What shade of color(s)? What is its purpose? How large is it? Likely, you'll find that you didn't realize many of these details at first glance. Slowing down to observe Scripture functions in a similar way.

Think of the last time you skimmed a verse or passage of the Bible. Do you remember what you read? Though Bible reading is a priceless practice, we often read quickly and scan over phrases without stopping to ponder what the text says. In doing so, we compromise basic reading comprehension and risk walking away with lacking or incorrect knowledge of what the Bible said. In addition to reading God's word, studying and meditating on Scripture can greatly enrich our relationship with God.

As we read Scripture, there is certainly a place for fast-paced reading to absorb the larger narrative of the text over a short period of time. However, whether we are reading or studying the word, we must caution against merely glancing at the text and instead engage in careful observation. If you were studying for a history test, you would probably engage more with the material than a quick skim. In addition, you would probably not skip back and forth between random chapters, reading one sentence of each and then expecting to understand the content. As ineffective as these practices seem, we often treat our Bibles the same way, only skimming the pages or flipping all over to read an isolated verse here and there. We are then surprised that we don't remember what we've read! Prayerfully engaging the word of God for what it is - a book - prompts us to carefully read and consider words and phrases and how they fit together. Observation is like holding up a diamond and slowly tilting it to admire every angle.

Consider the following verse:

Psalm 119:11

"Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You."

Can you write down five simple observations from this verse alone? From context, we know that the psalmist is talking to the LORD; therefore, any details about "You" are referring to God. Pray before you observe and ask God to enlighten the eyes of your heart (Ephesians 1:18) and teach you (Psalm 119:102).

To get you started, consider these observations:
1. The psalmist has a relationship with God (pronoun Your)
2. God has communicated something (Your word)
3. There is a relationship between treasuring God's word and not sinning

Once you have written down five observations, try to write down fifteen more. This may seem difficult, but keep looking! Don't take any details for granted, and don't add anything to the text. Consider each word and how they fit together.

Careful observation leads to accurate interpretation, and right application. By observing what God has said carefully, we know Him more deeply and lay a foundation for interpreting and applying what we have learned. How, then, do we observe the text practically? By marking key words, making lists, and interrogating the text.