Let’s talk about how you can learn to love reading the Bible!
Reading The Bible: why It's Important
The Bible is about God and it is were we learn who He is. It was written by God through men. His word is powerful and transformative. The Bible is were we go to spend time with God and to learn who He is.
“And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. “
1 Thessalonians 2:13
We know God’s word is the truth because God does not lie; the Bible is enduring truth.
“All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Learning to love reading the Bible
I have been a Christian my whole life and up until recently I had a hard time reading the Bible. Truthfully, I thought it was hard to understand and it left me feeling confused and bored.
So, I rarely picked it up.
Occasionally, I would read a chapter when encouraged by my dad or when I felt like it was something I should be doing. ( Now it is something I want to be doing! )
Often, I’d read through passages and not understand a thing.
Now, I see how awesome the Bible truly is! The Word lets us get to know God on a personal level. It’s where He reveals Himself to us.
Once you grasp the importance of spending time with God and reading the Bible you will most likely want to spend more time in it.
If you still don’t have a desire to get in the Word pray about it. Ask God to incline your heart.
” For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. “
Isaiah 55:10-11
I heard someone ask once ”What do Christians do when they finish reading the Bible?”
The answer: we never stop reading it!
The word of God is living. Which means each time you read the Bible you will have new revelations. Depending on what season of life you are in a verse you have read a handful of times can come alive and apply to your season in a very new and specific way.
It’s almost like a treasure hunt!
There is always something new to learn.
Prayer
Pray before, during, and after you read the Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit for clarity and understanding.
” Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wondrous things from your instruction”
Psalm 119:18
how to better understand Reading the Bible
If you get the feeling of boredom while reading the Bible it is probably caused by a lack of understanding. This was the case for me at least, so here are a few things that have helped.
- Use Bible commentary
Bible commentaries are a great resource when it comes to pursuing a deeper understanding of the Bible. Using commentary has helped me to comprehend and piece together the accounts of the Bible.
I have been using Enduring Word Bible Commentary and loving it!
- Look up definitions
It’s easy to just skip over a word you don’t know the meaning of and continue reading, but defining certain words helps everything make more sense.
- Read along as you listen
The You Version Bible app has a feature that will read the Bible to you. Following along in your Bible as you hear it read aloud may help.
Reading the Bible for the fist time? Where to start?
This can be a daunting question.
The Bible has 66 books. Those 66 books make up the New and old Testament.
The Old Testament describes creation, The Ten Commandments and much more. While, The New Testament focuses on Jesus.
Depending on where you are in your walk with the Lord where you start reading the Bible may look different.
If you are new to the Bible start in the New Testament to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
Maybe, you have read through a good bit of the Bible already and are looking for a fresh start. Try reading straight through the Bible cover to cover. From Genesis to Revelation.
Bible Challenge
If you are up for a challenge, see if you can read the Bible cover to cover in 40 days. This challenge requires about 2 hours of reading a day and a good amount of patience.
Get into a routine
Getting into a routine will help you get into your Bible more consistently. It’s a discipline we must learn.
- Find a quit space for you and God to connect
God is so worthy of our time and undivided attention. Separate yourself from life’s distractions and jump into the Word.
If your phone distracts you put it in another room or turn it off, until you’ve had your time with God.
- Get your supplies organized
You don’t need anything special to study the word. However, it is helpful to have a pen or pencil and a highlighter. For me, using fun supplies initially helped me get into the word more often.
- Find a reading plan
Pinterest is a great place to find Bible reading plans. You might even find one in your Bible that will take you through the Bible in a year.
Have someone keep you accountable
- Ask a friend or family member to check in on you.
- Find someone to read the Bible in a year with you.
- The You Version Bible app allows you to follow your friends and invite them to complete Bible studies with you.
Memorize verses
Equip yourself for life’s battles by memorizing scripture. It helps to write them down on a note card or keep them in a note on your phone.
As you go through your day and tough situations or fearful thoughts arise having scripture on hand can help.
conclusion
It may take some time before you have a desire to be in the Word daily. Even though you don’t feel like reading make an effort to read just one chapter.
You will most likely find yourself in seasons when you don’t feel excited to study the Bible and that’s ok.
Ask God to give you a hunger and desire for His word.
If you have any tips that help you read the Bible share it with us in the comments below!
