What to Do When You Can’t Read the Bible

I get it. Reading the Bible is not an easy task. It can sound like Shakespeare, and the size is nothing but intimidating. So what are we supposed to do when God wants us to read it, but we simply cant figure out how?

I would like to share with you a few tips that have helped me overcome the hurdle of consistently reading the Bible. And perhaps you too will see what God is capable of doing through you when you truly desire Him.

It begins with praying for five things:

1.) Desire

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13

All things are possible through Christ Who gives you strength. You may think you can’t, but if you allow Christ to work through you, anything is possible – including reading the Bible.

God has said He would give us the desires of our heart. Ask, and you shall receive. Both old and new testament offer this promise, but we tend to use it more for worldly gain. You ask and you do not receive because you ask with the wrong motives. But if we ask God for something that lines up with His will, what is to stop Him from answering that prayer?

God wants nothing more than for you to grow closer to Him. Before you can gain the ability to read the Bible, you must have the desire to read it. Make reading His Word the desire of your heart, and He will answer you.

2.) Focus

I can’t even begin to say how distracting this world can be. We can desire to read the Bible all we want, but until we learn to put distractions aside, we will never fully absorb it.

But we don’t have to accept chaos. Remember you have the mind of Christ. And He will keep you in perfect peace when you keep your mind on Him.

Ask God to maintain a spirit fixated solely on Him. Speak focus over your mind with Scripture.

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. – Proverbs 4:25-27

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. – Philipians 4:8

3.) Clarity

Perhaps you have nothing but desire, and maybe learning to focus isn’t even the problem. Maybe you simply don’t understand what you’re reading.

Take heart. God sees your faith. He sees your perseverance and that you are unwilling to conform to the patterns of this world. And for that, God will transform you – beginning with the renewal of your mind.

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace – 1 Corinthians 14:33

God wants you to understand His Word. Do not let insecurity or doubt discourage you.

He has said that opening His Word gives light and understanding even to the simplest of men. And even still, the most educated on earth still cannot fathom the mystery of God. And perhaps that is only for us to strive to know Him more.

4.) Wisdom

Along the lines of clarity, it is important to not only be able to comprehend what you are reading but to truly gain from it. Read with the intention of retaining. And what an incredible God we serve who gives wisdom freely and abundantly to anyone who desires it.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5

Take a look at Solomon when he first became king. He called himself a little child who didn’t even know his comings from his goings. When God asked what Solomon wanted, all he asked for was wisdom. And because he did not ask for any selfish desires such as wealth or vengeance, God made him to be the wisest king that ever was or ever would be. And on top of that, he made him the wealthiest and most honorable of all anyway!

Ask God for wisdom and understanding, and He will not hold back.

5.) Discernment

With wisdom, you will find a both an increasing strength and need for discernment.

As you grow to read and study the Word, you will face more and more instances where you have questions. But this is all part of the great mystery that God has ordained from the very beginning. Ask Him for the discernment to know the truth.

There will be many obstacles in life that will require you to test whether or not the Spirit of God is present. If you maintain consistent exercise in the Word, you will gain this discernment between good and evil. You will be able to stand against the false prophets and declare the true Word of God.

Test all things; hold fast what is good. – 1 Thessalonians 5:21

In praying for these five things when you begin to read your Bible, you will discover a testimony in itself of how God helped you overcome. And in this world, where the enemy never sleeps, you will stand firm, knowing you have the weapon of the Word of God to fight every battle.