Reading the Bible every day sounds like a good idea, but let’s be honest, it can be really tough to stick with it. You might want to, but something always seems to get in the way. If you’ve been struggling to stay consistent, you’re definitely not alone.
Here are some common reasons people find it hard to keep up—and maybe you’ll recognize a few in your own life.
Feeling Overwhelmed
The Bible is a big, thick book, and its size may make it overwhelming for some. You might feel like you don’t know where to start or how to put it all together, considering its vast number of pages. You might even feel like it’s much easier not to open it at all, and have doubts that you’ll ever be able to read it all anyway.
Lack of Time
Life can get really busy, and in the hustle and bustle between work, school, family, and everything else that life brings, sometimes it seems as though there is no time for us to read the Bible.
When we feel like we have been running around all day long, it’s easy to procrastinate and say we’ll read the Bible “later,” but then “later” never really comes.
Difficult to Comprehend
Reading the Bible does not come easy to everyone. The language, the historical context, and cultural differences can make it seem like a chore, especially if you’re not quite sure how it applies to your life.
Lack of Motivation
You might know that reading the Bible is important, but some days you just don’t feel like it. Maybe you’re tired or just not in the mood, and that lack of motivation makes it easy to skip. On those days, it can be helpful to remind yourself of the long-term benefits and find small, manageable ways to incorporate it into your routine.
Too Many Distractions
With buzzing phones, social media notifications, and endless to-do lists, finding an hour when it is quiet enough to read the Bible can be very challenging. Distractions tug at your attention from every angle, but they only serve to steal your attention away from the more important things, such as reading God’s word.
Not Seeing Immediate Results
It’s so easy to start reading the Bible and expect that changes will happen right away. Likewise, it is very easy to get discouraged when it apparently does nothing immediately because then you start to wonder if it makes any difference at all. It’s important to remember that everything happens in God’s time, and no immediate results do not mean God cannot hear you or that He has not provided an answer.
Feeling Spiritually Dry
There are times when your faith might fall flat, and in those times, the Bible is not really that exciting or appealing. During these times, there is very little motivation to even think about reading the Bible, especially if it feels like more of an obligation rather than a comforting, inspiring read. However, when you are having a hard time getting into or feeling close with God, Scripture can be something of help rather than burdensome.
Forgetting to Prioritize It
Life can be hectic and reading the Bible just gets lost in the shuffle sometimes. Unless you have a regular routine or a reminder and there’s a push, it’s easy to forget to read even when you intended to that day. A consistent schedule or reminder will definitely keep it on your radar and make it part of your daily routine.
Unsure of Its Relevance
The Bible was written thousands of years ago, so it’s normal to wonder how it applies to today’s world. If you’re not sure how it relates to your life, staying consistent can indeed be tough. However, in these moments, it’s important to remember that it was written for that generation and the generations to come, and while the stories in the literal sense may no longer be relevant, the messages behind them still very much apply to our modern, present day.
Lack of Guidance
It is quite easy to get lost in the Bible without a reading plan or guidance, especially when there are so many books and chapters. This results in overwhelm, which could affect the desire to begin reading it in the first place or discourage continuing with a regular reading schedule due to a lack of progress or connection.
The good news is that, nowadays, there are plenty of apps and websites that offer advice and reading plans, as well as community forums, which can be great guides for anyone needing assistance.
Misunderstanding the Bible’s Purpose
Some people view the Bible as a list of dos and don’ts or just a mere history book, in which case it’s quite a test for anyone to go through. This is where you might miss two salient points: spiritual insight and personal comfort. Understanding its purpose, which is to encourage, instruct, and bring you closer to God, may alter your whole perspective on reading the Bible.
Viewing It as a Task
If you approach Bible reading as another item to check off your to-do list, it can start to feel like a chore. When it’s more about the obligation to do so than connecting deep within oneself, it is easily lost. Just like eating to feed your stomach is not a chore but a necessity, reading the word of God to feed your spirit is just as important for believers.
Overcomplicating It
Sometimes, we make reading the Bible a bit more complicated than it actually is. We feel that we need to follow some specific method or in-depth study every time, when in fact, a simple reading of a few verses may be enough to feed your soul.
Lack of Personal Connection
Some people struggle because the Bible just doesn’t appear to relate directly to them. If it appears to be some kind of a far-off book that has nothing to do with where one is or what one experiences, then the interest is much tougher to retain. Finding ways to relate the Scriptures to your life and personal journey may provide a more meaningful approach toward the Bible.
Understanding the Reasons Behind
It is normal to find it hard to read the Bible consistently because, in today’s world, there are plenty of things that need to be done. However, understanding why you’re having trouble can be the first step towards making a change.
Recognizing and addressing these challenges can help you build a more regular and meaningful Bible reading habit. Remember, it’s okay to start small and adjust as needed. The goal is to find a routine that works for you and helps you connect with the Bible in a way that feels right. Also remember that through reading the Bible, you get to understand God’s ways and have an in-depth understanding of who He is. The Bible is like a manual to a believer – as much as you value prayers, they work simultaneously alongside the Scriptures.
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Jannah is a dedicated Christian content writer with growing experience, driven by her love for sharing the message of faith. She brings dedication and passion to every piece she writes, drawing from her background as a former lector. Jannah is committed to creating meaningful and inspiring content that reflects her Christian values.