Hindrances to Bible Reading

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So tell me, what is keeping you from reading your Bible every day? I ask you this question because it’s something we all struggle with as Christians, so no judging here! We all have things in our lives keeping us from reading our Bibles like we should. Could one of these hindrances to Bible reading be what’s keeping you from reading yours?

No matter how devoted we are to God, there are days when we choose to not pick up our Bibles to hear from God. For some of us it may be weeks or even months before we do. The more Christians I talk to, the more I realize there are many of us that don’t make reading our Bibles a priority. Perhaps it is busyness or simply every day distractions that’s keeping you from digging into God’s word, or perhaps it’s something more. Once you know what’s really preventing you from reading your Bible, it’s easier to find a solution. So, how about we take a few minutes to find out what hindrances to Bible reading you have in your life?

You’re too busy to read the Bible.

I think this is the hindrance most of us have in our lives…lack of time. Trust me, we’ve all been there. Packed schedules, a heavy workload, you simply don’t have the time to read the Bible like you want to and know you should. Is this you? Did you know that reading just one verse a day can do it? Make an effort to take a few minutes to read just one verse and meditate on it. Or try listening to the Bible on MP3 while you’re cooking dinner or driving to work. Be creative and find a way to carve out at least a few minutes each day to devote to reading the Bible. You’ll be so glad you did!

Reading the Bible makes me sleepy.

Too tired to read the Bible? It’s the end of the day, you make an effort to read the Bible but you’re too tired and fall asleep instead. Yep, I’ve been there too! You may not like the solution for this one, because it requires making a lifestyle adjustment. Just like exercise, if you do it in the morning you’re more likely to be consistent and make reading your Bible a part of your routine. Alarm the clock a few minutes early and devote the first part of your day to God. There’s no better way to start the day than with a word from Him.

You don’t understand the Bible, so why read it?

Unfortunately, many of us let our lack of understanding keep us from reading the Bible. There’s an easy cure for this one, though. With so many versions available on the market these days, it’s easy to find a Bible you can understand. Try a new version like God’s Word of The Message, or you can even start with a children’s Bible if you need to. Pray and ask God for understanding when reading your Bible and He will answer you.

You get distracted easily when reading the Bible.

Yes, we often get distracted when we’re reading our Bibles. I’m sure that’s Satan working against us. The easiest way to combat this is to keep a pen and notebook handy. Any time you think of something you should have done or need to get done, don’t jump up to do it. Instead, make a note of it by writing it down in your notebook and get back to reading. You can get back to your to-do list when you’re done.

You find reading the Bible boring.

If your Bible reading time is boring, it’s time to try something different. Maybe you’re read the Bible through many times and it now seems more like a ritual. It’s time to spice things up with a new version or a new study Bible. Think of what interests you about the Bible and find a related Bible study or reading plan to kindle that spark!

You simply don’t have the desire to read your Bible.

There are many reasons we don’t desire to read the Bible. It could be conviction of sin in our life or guilt from our past sins that keeps us from reading His word. Or maybe God hasn’t answered your prayers in the past and you’ve written Him off for now. Perhaps there’s pain or grief in your life presently that makes you look away from your Bible. Listen to me…you need to read your Bible now more than ever! Pray and ask God to give you the desire to read His word. Let Him speak to you through His word so you can find healing and restoration.

You haven’t made reading your Bible a priority in your life.

Do you know how important it is to read your Bible every day? Here are just a few reasons:

• God’s word provides direction for our lives. “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NLT
• God’s word brings us to repentance. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
• God’s word helps us resist temptation. “Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” Ephesians 6:13 NLT

You can read more about why we should read our Bibles here. You can also check out tips on developing a daily Bible reading routine here. There’s even a guide that gets you started, reading just one verse a day. Once you make reading your Bible a priority and tackle your hindrances to Bible reading, I know that God will speak to you through His written word and will bless you for your efforts.

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