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Elyssa Nalani

What To Do When You Don’t Feel Like Reading or Studying The Bible

Bible Study· FAITH

13 Aug

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.  

  1. 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.
  2. 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. 
  3. 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. 
  4. 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.
  5. 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 šŸ™‚

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Hi, my name is Elyssa!
I’m a Jesus-loving planner girl and I inspire paper-loving women of faith to live well and stay focused on what matters.

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elyssanalani

ElyssaNalani.com
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And if you’re interested in working with me on your 2021 goals, see how you can schedule a free Zoom call with me ā˜ŗļø 
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The snow and ice melted just in time for us to go The snow and ice melted just in time for us to go out and celebrate with an early dinner and a walk downtown in the sunshine. Man, you’d never know we just went through the snowpocalypse last week 😜
.
#happyanniversary #anniversaryweekend #date #gorgeousweather #ilovehim
Happy Anniversary to my darling husband. Four year Happy Anniversary to my darling husband. Four years down, Baby, forever to go 🄰

šŸ“· @davidcheneyphotography 
.
#happyanniversary #fouryearstrong #soinlove #stilltheone #marriedlife #ilovemyman
This doesn’t happen every year so we popped out This doesn’t happen every year so we popped out for an obligatory selfie in the snowfall ā„ļø Cue the cheesy hashtags!
.
#babyitscoldoutside #marshmallowworld #ilovethewinterweather #winterweather #ivegotmylovetokeepmewarm #valentines #ilovemyman #happyvalentinesday
I could write a sweet, pithy caption about how muc I could write a sweet, pithy caption about how much this man means to me and how I love our relationship. But I’m too distracted enjoying the day. So I’ll leave this 6 year old photo here, wish you a lovely Valentine’s Day and get back to my breakfast in bed ā˜ŗļø
.
#happyvalentinesday
• Early Valentines flowers from hubs. • Paper • Early Valentines flowers from hubs.
• Paper hearts on the kitchen walls.
• Tomorrow I will break my 40 day sugar fast, eat chocolate, and bake a pie.
ā¤ļø February has been a challenge so far but God is good and life is full of simple pleasures.
>> Now I’m going to bed where I should have been 2 hours ago 😜 
.
#happyalmostvalentinesday #simplethings #flowers #paperhearts
@anniefdowns new book ā€˜That Sounds Fun’ just c @anniefdowns new book ā€˜That Sounds Fun’ just came out two days ago and I totally recommend it! I listened to the audiobook last year (which she reads, which makes it even more fun!) and it was such a pleasure and treat. If you’re looking for something equally delightful and grounding, this is it. We need this book in these strange times 😊
.
#thatsoundsfun #thatsoundsfunbook #anniefdowns #bookstagram #booklover #book #booknerd #bookshelves #bookrecommendations
I bought a few of the books that flew off the shel I bought a few of the books that flew off the shelves last year but haven’t read any of them yet. It’s still important work and this is as good a month as any to dig in. 

(I should mention that last year I did listen to -
• I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown
• Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
• Black Klansman by Ron Stallworth)

Are you reading anything for Black History Month?
.
#blackhistorymonth #history #bookstagram #booklover #unreadshelfproject2021 #unreadshelf #bookstack #caste #bookofthemonth #botm #february2021 #februaryreads
February Scripture Writing Plan is live in the blo February Scripture Writing Plan is live in the blog! Shout out to @lady_alba26 for putting together another great collection of verses for us to focus on this month!
.
Link in bio 😊
.
#scripture #scripturewriting #scripturewritingplan #february #february2021 #journaling #club119writers
Texas can’t decide what winter weather is but I’ve still got winter vibes in the house. And plenty of tea for this season! The French Lemon Ginger and Moonlight Glow are my top 2 choices in my January @sipsby box. 
What have you been drinking this month?

My January box included - 

• Midnight Glow from @purekure_skincare
• French Lemon Ginger from @tealyratea
• Organic Rooibos Tea from @cederbosrooibostea 
• Sugar Cookie from @pinkyuptea 
.
Check out the link in my bio to get started with your own SipsBy subscription 😊
.
#sipsbybox #tea #teatime #winterweather
Oh, it’s National Spouse Day? I’m here for it! Oh, it’s National Spouse Day? I’m here for it! 
Here’s my spouse. He’s the bestest 🄰 
#nationalspouseday #ilovehimsomuch #marriedlife
Another peak at my 2021 journaling project because Another peak at my 2021 journaling project because @abiding_kelseyleigh said it’s Share the Love Sunday so here’s my personal development spread! 
I can’t stop looking at it and flipping through the rest of my pages ā˜ŗļø Video coming soon!
.
#myabidingjournal2021 #doyourthing #staycurious #creativelifehappylife #creativitymatters #journalingcommunity #creativitytakescourage #personaldevelopment #sharethelove #creativejournal #creativejournaling #projectplaybook #livewellstayfocused
January journaling spread šŸ“” . Memory keeping is January journaling spread šŸ“”
.
Memory keeping is not something I’m naturally good at (for one thing, I don’t take enough photos) but I still reeeeally like creative journaling and I have a whole ton of supplies I need to use. Soooooooo I thought I’d try a different approach. Still formulating the concept but it’s looking like creative journaling + project planning + goal tracking.
.
One thing I know for certain about myself when it comes to projects: I follow through better when I can see it. Why not have a fun space to plan and visualize my projects and goals? 
I’ve been having fun with several spreads and I can’t wait to do a video and share with y’all. I think this is an approach my brain can wrap itself around 😜🧠 Stay tuned! 
.
#creativejournaling #2021journaling #2021journal #makeithappen #cultivatewhatmatters #januaryspread #january #lwsfplaybook #livewellstayfocused #adreamisawishyourheartmakes #beyoubravely #takeyourtime #creativitytakescourage #trystuffout #myabidingjournal
Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠ And I Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠
And I had nothing but shadows⁠
Then one morning you passed⁠
And I brightened at last⁠
Now I greet the day and complete the day⁠
With the sun in my heart⁠
All my worry blew away⁠
When you taught me how to say⁠
⁠
Grab your coat and get your hat⁠
Leave your worry on the doorstep⁠
Just direct your feet⁠
To the sunny side of the street⁠
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?⁠
And that happy tune is your step⁠
Life can be so sweet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
⁠
I used to walk in the shade⁠
With those blues on parade⁠
But I'm not afraid⁠
This Rover crossed over⁠
⁠
If I never have a cent⁠
I'd be rich as Rockefeller⁠
Gold dust at my feet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
Grab your street⁠
⁠
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #sunnysideofthestreet #staypositive #dorothyfields #songlyrics #lifecanbesosweet #spreadlove #spreadjoy
Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband are my favorite šŸ˜. They also force me to straighten out my desk for their presence šŸ˜†
.
#justbecause #flowers #ilovemyman #marriage #marriagerocks
#mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart #mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart
Whenever I feel afraid⁠ I hold my head erect⁠ Whenever I feel afraid⁠
I hold my head erect⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
So no one will suspect I'm afraid⁠
⁠
I strike a careless pose⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
And no one ever knows I'm afraid⁠
⁠
The result of this deception⁠
Is very strange to tell⁠
For when I fool the people⁠
I fear I fool myself as well⁠
⁠
I whistle a happy tune⁠
And every single time⁠
The happiness in the tune⁠
Convinces me that I'm not afraid⁠
⁠
Make believe you're brave⁠
And the trick will take you far⁠
You may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you areYou may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you are⁠
⁠
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #showtunes #rodgersandhammerstein #thekingandi
#mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence #mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence
FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Pat FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Patreon this weekend! Stay tuned 😊
.
#januaryscripturewriting #club119writers #scripturewriting 
#journaling #journal #stickers #journalingcommunity #scripture #journalingstickers #fearlessheart #patreon
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Goodreads

elyssanalani

ElyssaNalani.com
New month in my Stalogy šŸ’š . #b6stalogy #journal New month in my Stalogy šŸ’š
.
#b6stalogy #journaling #marchjournal #beyoubravely #workhardstayhumble #planner #plannercommunity #plannerbabe #plannernerd #stickers #stickerspread
TODAY ON THE CHANNEL & BLOG! And if you’re inte TODAY ON THE CHANNEL & BLOG!

And if you’re interested in working with me on your 2021 goals, see how you can schedule a free Zoom call with me ā˜ŗļø 
.
Link in my bio
.
#goalsetting #staymotivated #motivation #goals #2021goals #cultivatewhatmatters #stayfocused #yourdreamsmatter #dontgiveup #plannerbabe #plannercommunity #planner #plannersgonnaplan #plannersofinstagram #plannergirl #plannerlove #plannerd
The snow and ice melted just in time for us to go The snow and ice melted just in time for us to go out and celebrate with an early dinner and a walk downtown in the sunshine. Man, you’d never know we just went through the snowpocalypse last week 😜
.
#happyanniversary #anniversaryweekend #date #gorgeousweather #ilovehim
Happy Anniversary to my darling husband. Four year Happy Anniversary to my darling husband. Four years down, Baby, forever to go 🄰

šŸ“· @davidcheneyphotography 
.
#happyanniversary #fouryearstrong #soinlove #stilltheone #marriedlife #ilovemyman
This doesn’t happen every year so we popped out This doesn’t happen every year so we popped out for an obligatory selfie in the snowfall ā„ļø Cue the cheesy hashtags!
.
#babyitscoldoutside #marshmallowworld #ilovethewinterweather #winterweather #ivegotmylovetokeepmewarm #valentines #ilovemyman #happyvalentinesday
I could write a sweet, pithy caption about how muc I could write a sweet, pithy caption about how much this man means to me and how I love our relationship. But I’m too distracted enjoying the day. So I’ll leave this 6 year old photo here, wish you a lovely Valentine’s Day and get back to my breakfast in bed ā˜ŗļø
.
#happyvalentinesday
• Early Valentines flowers from hubs. • Paper • Early Valentines flowers from hubs.
• Paper hearts on the kitchen walls.
• Tomorrow I will break my 40 day sugar fast, eat chocolate, and bake a pie.
ā¤ļø February has been a challenge so far but God is good and life is full of simple pleasures.
>> Now I’m going to bed where I should have been 2 hours ago 😜 
.
#happyalmostvalentinesday #simplethings #flowers #paperhearts
@anniefdowns new book ā€˜That Sounds Fun’ just c @anniefdowns new book ā€˜That Sounds Fun’ just came out two days ago and I totally recommend it! I listened to the audiobook last year (which she reads, which makes it even more fun!) and it was such a pleasure and treat. If you’re looking for something equally delightful and grounding, this is it. We need this book in these strange times 😊
.
#thatsoundsfun #thatsoundsfunbook #anniefdowns #bookstagram #booklover #book #booknerd #bookshelves #bookrecommendations
I bought a few of the books that flew off the shel I bought a few of the books that flew off the shelves last year but haven’t read any of them yet. It’s still important work and this is as good a month as any to dig in. 

(I should mention that last year I did listen to -
• I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown
• Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
• Black Klansman by Ron Stallworth)

Are you reading anything for Black History Month?
.
#blackhistorymonth #history #bookstagram #booklover #unreadshelfproject2021 #unreadshelf #bookstack #caste #bookofthemonth #botm #february2021 #februaryreads
February Scripture Writing Plan is live in the blo February Scripture Writing Plan is live in the blog! Shout out to @lady_alba26 for putting together another great collection of verses for us to focus on this month!
.
Link in bio 😊
.
#scripture #scripturewriting #scripturewritingplan #february #february2021 #journaling #club119writers
Texas can’t decide what winter weather is but I’ve still got winter vibes in the house. And plenty of tea for this season! The French Lemon Ginger and Moonlight Glow are my top 2 choices in my January @sipsby box. 
What have you been drinking this month?

My January box included - 

• Midnight Glow from @purekure_skincare
• French Lemon Ginger from @tealyratea
• Organic Rooibos Tea from @cederbosrooibostea 
• Sugar Cookie from @pinkyuptea 
.
Check out the link in my bio to get started with your own SipsBy subscription 😊
.
#sipsbybox #tea #teatime #winterweather
Oh, it’s National Spouse Day? I’m here for it! Oh, it’s National Spouse Day? I’m here for it! 
Here’s my spouse. He’s the bestest 🄰 
#nationalspouseday #ilovehimsomuch #marriedlife
Another peak at my 2021 journaling project because Another peak at my 2021 journaling project because @abiding_kelseyleigh said it’s Share the Love Sunday so here’s my personal development spread! 
I can’t stop looking at it and flipping through the rest of my pages ā˜ŗļø Video coming soon!
.
#myabidingjournal2021 #doyourthing #staycurious #creativelifehappylife #creativitymatters #journalingcommunity #creativitytakescourage #personaldevelopment #sharethelove #creativejournal #creativejournaling #projectplaybook #livewellstayfocused
January journaling spread šŸ“” . Memory keeping is January journaling spread šŸ“”
.
Memory keeping is not something I’m naturally good at (for one thing, I don’t take enough photos) but I still reeeeally like creative journaling and I have a whole ton of supplies I need to use. Soooooooo I thought I’d try a different approach. Still formulating the concept but it’s looking like creative journaling + project planning + goal tracking.
.
One thing I know for certain about myself when it comes to projects: I follow through better when I can see it. Why not have a fun space to plan and visualize my projects and goals? 
I’ve been having fun with several spreads and I can’t wait to do a video and share with y’all. I think this is an approach my brain can wrap itself around 😜🧠 Stay tuned! 
.
#creativejournaling #2021journaling #2021journal #makeithappen #cultivatewhatmatters #januaryspread #january #lwsfplaybook #livewellstayfocused #adreamisawishyourheartmakes #beyoubravely #takeyourtime #creativitytakescourage #trystuffout #myabidingjournal
Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠ And I Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠
And I had nothing but shadows⁠
Then one morning you passed⁠
And I brightened at last⁠
Now I greet the day and complete the day⁠
With the sun in my heart⁠
All my worry blew away⁠
When you taught me how to say⁠
⁠
Grab your coat and get your hat⁠
Leave your worry on the doorstep⁠
Just direct your feet⁠
To the sunny side of the street⁠
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?⁠
And that happy tune is your step⁠
Life can be so sweet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
⁠
I used to walk in the shade⁠
With those blues on parade⁠
But I'm not afraid⁠
This Rover crossed over⁠
⁠
If I never have a cent⁠
I'd be rich as Rockefeller⁠
Gold dust at my feet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
Grab your street⁠
⁠
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #sunnysideofthestreet #staypositive #dorothyfields #songlyrics #lifecanbesosweet #spreadlove #spreadjoy
Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband are my favorite šŸ˜. They also force me to straighten out my desk for their presence šŸ˜†
.
#justbecause #flowers #ilovemyman #marriage #marriagerocks
#mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart #mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart
Whenever I feel afraid⁠ I hold my head erect⁠ Whenever I feel afraid⁠
I hold my head erect⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
So no one will suspect I'm afraid⁠
⁠
I strike a careless pose⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
And no one ever knows I'm afraid⁠
⁠
The result of this deception⁠
Is very strange to tell⁠
For when I fool the people⁠
I fear I fool myself as well⁠
⁠
I whistle a happy tune⁠
And every single time⁠
The happiness in the tune⁠
Convinces me that I'm not afraid⁠
⁠
Make believe you're brave⁠
And the trick will take you far⁠
You may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you areYou may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you are⁠
⁠
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #showtunes #rodgersandhammerstein #thekingandi
#mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence #mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence
FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Pat FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Patreon this weekend! Stay tuned 😊
.
#januaryscripturewriting #club119writers #scripturewriting 
#journaling #journal #stickers #journalingcommunity #scripture #journalingstickers #fearlessheart #patreon
Load More... Follow on Instagram

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