I have so enjoyed working on The Bible Study Project and CLUB 119 the several few weeks and reading the comments on the videos and hearing the enthusiasm around reading and studying the Bible. It’s so encouraging to engage with other people who love God’s Word.
But I have to be honest, even though I love the Bible, there are days (and even seasons, I’m ashamed to say) when I don’t feel like reading or studying it. I’m going to assume you’ve gone through this a time or two yourself.
And this Bible reading/studying slump could be a result of many things. Emotional stress, busy life seasons, tough circumstances, health complications, etc. Or it could even be a combination of things. Or maybe you just simply don’t feel like reading or studying the Bible! Maybe you have “better” or “more interesting” things to do. Whatever the cause of the slump, it can be tough to get back in the habit of opening the Word.
I have found that I have personally have triggers that cause me to distance myself from the Bible. I’m not proud of it but it’s true. And in an effort to combat or climb out of my own reading slump, I have a list of 5 things that I consider when I know I need to make changes in my life.
- Consider what you’re consuming – Spiritual things are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). If you feel like you don’t want to read the Bible, consider what you’re consuming. What are you reading, watching, engaging with on social media? If you’re filling your mind with too much clutter that doesn’t feed your spiritual growth, then you’re going to lose the taste for spiritual things. Cut back on the junk and start feeding yourself with content that will bring you closer to Jesus.
- Consider your prayer life – I can tell you from personal experience that a weak prayer life will weaken all of your spiritual muscles. Spend time in daily prayer asking God to help you in the areas where you’re struggling (like Bible reading or studying in this case). You may have to ask Him to help you want to get into the Word. Or even want to want to get into the Word. Be honest with Him and share your heart in this area. As you draw closer to Him through prayer, your desire to open the Bible will follow.
- Consider your method – We all learn differently. A simple search on pretty much anywhere online will show you that there are a million and one ways to study the bible. But just because one method works for one person or another doesn’t necessarily mean that it will work for you. Pick a method that you think will light up your brain and keep you interested and don’t feel like you have to do what everyone else is doing.
- Consider your discipline – Now I do have to say that just because a method may not be “working” for you doesn’t mean that it isn’t for you. Bible reading and studying is a habit that requires time to develop. It may be hard or awkward at first but it doesn’t have to “feel” right at the beginning for it to be good for you. Allow the discipline of Bible reading and studying to develop and mature over time.
- Consider your time – How much time do you have to open your Bible on a regular basis? Are you being realistic with the time you have? You may be trying to cram too much in a 15 minute period and get frustrated that you’re not “getting anywhere”. Or you could be squandering time by spending too much of it on social media or Netflix. Be honest and realistic with the time you have. And remember that different life seasons will afford you different amounts of time and that’s okay. When it comes to the Bible, consistency is key even if you only have a few minutes. Don’t cheat yourselves out of your spiritual growth and maturity. This has eternal value.
What do you do when you don’t feel like reading or studying the Bible? I’d love to read your thoughts below in the comments! I could always use some good ideas 🙂