As we work through our series on the habits of the Christian life, questions come up that we ask ourselves and one another. After a recent message on Scripture, a young adult asked me a great one: how do I keep up my Bible reading when I don’t feel like it and there isn’t a desire to do it?
Here is my response.
First, this is a good question, because every Christian I know has gone through a time when Bible reading is more work than want. You are not alone in feeling little affection toward God’s Word at times.
Second, a good starting point is to pray. Ask God to stir your affection for his Word. The Psalms are like this, often beginning with a cry to God and ending with praise for his help and hope.
Third, it’s about quality time with God, not quantity. Quality often leads to quantity, but at the start we can be so concerned with keeping the streak going that we miss the basics of simply hearing from God.
Fourth, the best Bible reading plan is the one you’re actually doing, not the one you wish you were doing. I’ve spent years failing to finish reading plans, only to feel guilty about it by the end of March. Whether it’s a verse a day or ten chapters a day, what matters is that you’re actually reading.
Fifth, the evil one loves for us to be more focussed on results than relationship. God’s Word is given to us for relationship. If we focus too much on achievement, we will lose connection with God.
Sixth, the flesh is weak. In Romans 7, Paul admits that he wants to do what is right and godly, yet finds himself not doing it. Many of us feel exactly that with Scripture. The desire is there, but the flesh is weak.
Seventh, we don’t always feel God’s presence when we read God’s Word. I would love to say my affections have been stirred every time I read, but reality tells me otherwise. I suspect personality, the work of the Spirit and my own faith are all factors. We read trusting that what we are reading is from God and given for our good, so we listen as attentively as we can.
Eighth, Bible reading is a skill. Like reading and comprehending other books for school, university, work or leisure, it takes practice. Sometimes it requires brain work to understand what is being said, and sometimes we need help and insight from others. The more we read the Bible, the easier it becomes, and some helps along the way can grow both our desire and our practice.
Ninth, in my friendships I need to be intentional, and the same is true of my friendship with God. With a friend I might organise a coffee, a meal or a round of golf. We pick a date and make a plan for the time together. With God, I want a regular time and a regular plan for what we do in it. Some days that might be silence and stillness. Other days it might be a whole book of the Bible, or a written prayer or liturgy. There are many ideas here, but the point is intentionality.
Tenth, don’t lose heart. God knows your desire, your needs, the time you have, the stresses you are under, the way your brain works, and what suits you in each moment and season. He wants to hear from you and speak to you! He wants us to come to him, find our rest and simply be with him, for he loves you and me just as we are.
What would you add?
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