When I read Scripture, I don't simply read the words—I place myself inside what God is saying. I read the passage slowly and intentionally, allowing the words to create a picture in my mind.

Instead of reading Scripture as though it is speaking only to someone else, I can personalize it by replacing “you” with “I” when the passage allows it. This helps me receive the Word personally and meditate on what God is saying to me.

For example, instead of reading:

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” — Psalm 91:1

I can read:

“I dwell in the secret place of the Most High. I abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

When I speak Scripture this way, I am not trying to rewrite the Bible or make God say something He has not said. I am declaring the truth of God's Word over my life. I am taking what Scripture says and bringing my thoughts, words, prayers, and faith into agreement with it.

Reading Scripture as Declarations and Decrees

A declaration is something I speak or proclaim. When I declare Scripture, I am boldly confessing what God's Word says to be true.

For example:

“The Lord is my refuge and my fortress. He is my God, and in Him I trust.”

I am declaring where I have chosen to place my trust.

A decree, in a biblical sense, is an authoritative command, decision, or established matter. God's decrees ultimately come from God's authority—not mine. Therefore, when I speak of “decreeing” Scripture, I am not attempting to command God or create reality simply through my own words. I am bringing my words into agreement with what God has already established in His Word.

This distinction keeps my declarations and decrees centered on God rather than myself.

I can say:

I declare what God has spoken.
I agree with what God has established.
I stand upon what God has promised.
I submit my desires to God's will.

Then I visualize the Scripture.

I picture myself dwelling in a safe and peaceful place under God's protection. I imagine His presence surrounding me like a shelter. I see myself resting there instead of running in fear. I imagine danger outside, but I am secure because I am under His covering.

As I continue reading, I ask:

What do I see?
What am I experiencing?
What is God showing me about Himself?
What promise am I receiving?
What response should come from me?

I don't rush through the passage. I pause at words that stand out to me and allow them to become a picture.

If Scripture says “He is my refuge,” I declare, “God is my refuge,” and visualize Him as my refuge.

If Scripture says “He will deliver me,” I declare my trust in God's deliverance and visualize myself being brought through the situation according to His will.

If Scripture teaches that God will not forsake His people, I picture His faithful presence with me even during difficult circumstances.

The purpose is not to use Scripture like a formula or assume that every biblical promise can be removed from its original context and applied to every situation. The purpose is to understand what God has actually said, believe it, meditate upon it, pray it, and align my life with it.

When I repeatedly speak God's truth, I am also confronting thoughts of fear, doubt, hopelessness, and unbelief with what Scripture says.

I read the Word.
I understand the Word.
I speak the Word.
I declare the Word.
I visualize the Word.
I meditate on the Word.
I pray the Word.
I stand upon the Word.

And I allow the Word of God to shape the way I think, believe, speak, pray, and live.