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Have you ever heard someone’s interpretation of a Bible passage and wondered, how in the world did they get all this understanding when I’m out here just trying to stay awake while reading? 😂 No worries! It happens to the best of us.
If we are to be honest, for many believers, every now and again reading the Bible can become boring and feel like a chore. No need to feel guilty. Admitting this out loud does not mean that you love Jesus any less. It happens!
However, like most occurrences in life, it’s less about what you are feeling and more about how you react to those feelings. When reading the Bible gets boring, the response should not be to stop reading it altogether, although that can be very tempting. But rather to figure out how to make reading the Bible interesting again.
Why Is Reading The Bible Boring?
One word, “engagement”!
Whenever you become bored with anything, it is because somehow you have lost interest and desire. This loss of interest and desire ultimately leads to a disconnect and disengagement.
Like I always say, half the battle is identifying the problem. The other half is in building a strategy to defeat the problem. Ok, I don’t always say that but I will start from now on 🤣🤣🤣.
Contrary to how you feel, you can revive your passion in your Christian walk.
Since boredom is a lack of engagement, the key to becoming excited about your Bible reading time is to boost engagement. While this may seem like a chore in itself, sometimes we have to fight for what we need even if we don’t want to.
Think about it. We create strategies to boost social media engagement all the time. Why not the word of God?
Let’s get into how to read the Bible when it is Boring.
Change Your Method
As you walk throughout your Christian journey, there will be phases. At first, when you read the Bible, reading a few passages may have been enough to fill you and keep you engaged. This is your milk phase. The basics were enough to keep you full.
The more you walk with God, your spiritual appetite will begin to grow and expand.
You will begin to require meat or heavier spiritual food to sustain you. Simply reading a passage will not fill you the way it once used to.
Think of it like dating. On the first few dates, conversations like what is your favorite color or how many siblings do you have are okay. However, as time progresses, there is a desire to know that person more and more. Deeper conversations and cravings for intimacy arises.
Boredom, disinterest, and disconnect often strike when we try to use old methods that no longer work.
Shake up your Bible reading methods for deeper dissections. There are many Bible reading methods out there but search for the one that fits your learning style.
My personal favorite Bible study methods are:
- The Inductive Bible Study Method
- Chapter analysis Bible Study Method
You will find that as you switch up your Bible study methods every now and again, you will gain not only interest but become more engaged with the Word.
Add Bible Supplements
The Bible is a huge book and there is much dissection to be done. To be honest, we can read the Bible our entire lives and never fully be able to dissect it. Bible supplements are a great way to help us along that journey. Don’t worry. There is a lot of variation in this department. Bible reading supplements can include:
- Devotionals
- Study Guides
- Bible Dictionaries
- Videos
I know adding these Bible Reading supplements can feel like information overload. Nonetheless, there are several benefits to adding supplements
Clarity on Specific Topics
Supplements allow you to gain clarity on specific topics. For instance, If you are struggling with relationships, there are devotionals, study guides, and material to help you navigate these types of verses in the Bible. The same is true for any other topic.
Clarity on Context and Origin
The Bible is relatively old, but I have a feeling you know that already. It was also originally in the Greek & Hebrew language. The full impact or understanding of some words or scriptures has gotten lost in translation. Bible study supplements can certainly help you to build a better understanding and pique your interest.
A few of my favorite supplement materials are
- Unlocking the Bible
- 365 devotional for leaders
- Bible Dictionary
Get The Setting Right
Set the mood.
Routines are comfortable but they sure are boring. Everyone gets tired of doing the same things over and over again. Talk about DeJa Vu. The same is true for reading the Bible.
Your favorite Christian influencer probably encourages building a routine of quiet time. I’m not discarding that. Yet, sometimes changing the setting of your Bible study time can definitely engage your senses.
If your study time is traditionally in a bedroom, try having study time outside, at a local Starbucks, or even a park. The change of scenery is sure to appeal to your senses and add some spice to your Bible study time. In addition to changing the setting. Get the atmosphere right.
Throw up some worship music. Take a moment to get into it. All of this builds engagement.
Add Accountability
If you just can not trust yourself during this phase in your Bible study journey, add some accountability.
Rather than studying the Bible alone, study with a friend or two to keep you engaged. I mean you can’t really fall asleep in a room with other people right?
Bible studies may seem old school, but they sure work.
An added bonus is as you and your buddies read the Bible together, you can conversate and share different perspectives on the passages you have read.
The Youversion Bible App also has a feature that allows you to add friends to Bible study plans. You can chat in the app and share your comments virtually.
This level of accountability and community is sure to add some spice to your Bible study life, not to mention foster godly friendships.
Pray For A Supernatural Stirring
This approach is not as practical, but supernatural.
There is a supernatural element of the Bible that I just can not put into words. The Bible is a book that is alive, active, and sharp (Hebrews 4:12).
It literally has the power to transform the individual reading it, once they are willing. I can never fully explain what takes place because it’s beyond human comprehension.
For the purpose of understanding, I will refer to it as a supernatural stirring. This part does not have a 1,2,3 step formula, however, I do know God has the power to stir you in your boredom. He can help you in your desire to engage with the Word.
How? I can not really answer that. This is the supernatural part that is received through faith.
Pray and ask God to stir you up in the Word once more. To give you back a desire to read the word again. Ensure that you do your part by implementing some of the steps above and ask God in faith for the stirring.
Faith and works!
Developing in your walk with God and Bible study is not a sprint, it is a marathon. Despite how much reading the Bible feels boring right now, fight for your study time.
There is wisdom, change, and breakthrough wrapped in your quiet time.
You know your girl is out here praying for you and I’m always one comment away,
As always,
Be strong, Be Courageous, Serve God Wholeheartedly
P.S. Want to learn more about my story? Check out my book here.
