You cannot call yourself a Christian and not make it a habit to read the Bible. The Bible isn’t a book full of rules or stories. Neither is it a guidebook that we open up when we are at a crossroads in life. The Bible is life-changing and food for our spirit and soul. If we want to grow, we must read the Word for ourselves.
It’s easy to lose ourselves in the overwhelming affairs of our lives and forget to read the Bible. While it is every Christian’s responsibility to ensure that they make time to read and meditate on the Word of God, there is no shame in admitting that you have unconsciously neglected your Bible readings in the midst of busyness.
In reality, a conscious and deliberate effort must be made to set some time aside for the Bible. Here are a few ways to make Bible reading more interesting for you, and to help you start – or pick up where you left off with your reading journey!
>> Do it with a friend
Everything is easier when you have someone to do it with you. Meet up at a cafe, or even just call to spend time reading the Word together. When you share your thoughts or exchange your favourite passages of Scripture, you may see the Bible in a new light.
>> Don’t be afraid to annotate
When a passage speaks to you, highlight it or jot down your thoughts on it. It could be anything, like what you find interesting or how it relates to a certain season of your life. This way, the next time you come across the same passage, you will be able to see how much you have – or haven’t – grown since the last time.
>> Play some music
If you’re having a hard time immersing yourself in the Word, try putting on some worship songs or instrumentals to help you. It can be hard to feel His presence after a long period of silence, so music could be just the thing that helps you get back in the flow of things.
>> Follow a Bible plan
Making a resolution to read the Bible every day is a big commitment. However, without a plan, it’s easy to dismiss it when you’re just too busy, or too tired that day. Having a plan to stick to is the best way to keep on track with what you have or haven’t read, and certain plans have daily devotions that could relate to a situation or experience you may be going through.
>> Take your time
Do not make it a mission to finish everything as quickly as possible. The Word is there as a guide to follow, but it is also there to comfort you and to speak to you. It understands you and heals you in ways no one can, so don’t turn it into just another task you have to complete.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12
Cover photo: Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash
