7 encouragements for those who struggle reading the Bible

1. Everyone struggles – don’t feel guilty about it
No one’s perfect. Everyone started off somewhere and everyone struggled reading the Bible. There’s rarely anyone who picks up the Bible and starts reading perfectly. So don’t be discouraged when you see someone who reads the Bible better than you.

Also note that “struggle” reveals how important it is. Reading the Bible is a spiritual war and no battlefield is ever easy. God knows our struggles and weaknesses. So in our struggles, call upon the name of the Lord and embrace Him for He is the one to lead us into victory.

Maybe you’ve felt unworthy to pray or read the Bible; that, our sins are too much to bear. The irony is, Bible is for the weak, sick, and weary. The Bible is for sinners – you and me. We all need grace and we find it by delving into the Word. It is those “unworthy feelings” that should drive us to open the Bible to find comfort.

2. You don’t have to start with Genesis

We’ve all been there. We have the good initiative and heart, so after finishing Genesis we move on to Exodus, then to Leviticus. Once we get to Deuteronomy we struggle; eventually, give up. Maybe, we start over that routine saying, “This time I’ll do it.” In the end, we go through the same loophole. I've been there. But don't quit!

Start with the Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Or read the Epistles. They are just as essential as the Old Testament books.

3. Finishing the Bible is not mandatory

Just because you didn't finish reading 1 or 2 Chronicles does not mean you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven, nor will God judge you for forgetting to read one verse of the Bible. However, this should not be an incentive for skipping or avoiding parts of the Bible. Come back to the books of the Bible you have difficulties reading later - feeding on spiritual milk before you take on solid food. Ex: Should start with Matthew before reading Revelation.

As you go deeper into the Word you will hunger for more. You are still highly encouraged to read the whole Bible.

4. You don’t have to read one chapter a day

I know I didn't. Before, I read parts of the chapter. Many English Bibles divide chapters or books into sections. I read by sections daily and it helped me go deeper into the Word. Start by sections then move up one chapter, then a couple. (I now attend to a 90 Day Bible reading plan.) It took me years to get to where I am now – everyone is different. Find your effective Bible reading plan. With that said, developing a daily Bible reading plan is extremely helpful.

5. Forgetting to read - it happens

There will be times when our priorities overwhelm us. There will be times when we find reading the Bible a forgetful or unimportant part of our agenda. Remember that when we do forget that we must be quick to get back on track. Otherwise, it can be a habitual act to not read. We need the Bible for our spiritual warfare and nourishment.

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments…” Proverbs 3:1 ESV

6. Be hungry

For some of us the Bible may be too dry and even question if it is necessary. We must constantly preach ourselves the Bible especially the Gospel! The Bible teaches us what it does and why we need it. The Word of the Lord is much richer than we can possibly ever imagine.

7. Ask God to fall more in love with Him

“Lord, help me to love you more.” That is my prayer before I read the Bible. “Help me to hunger and thirst for righteousness and I will find it when I search you.”

If you ask the Lord to help you read the Bible, will not our Heavenly Father be willing to place us the desire? (Matthew 7:7-11)

The more you love God, the more you will love the Word of the Lord.

PS: Joshua 1:8 is an awesome verse when it comes to the importance of the Word of God.