Hey Bestie! Let’s talk about how to start reading the Bible again when you’ve lost desire.
I want to start by reassuring you that there’s nothing wrong with you. So many of us feel abnormal or even guilty because we’re struggling to read our Bibles, not realizing this is common.
When something like this happens, it’s easy to feel singled out, as if you’re the only one going through this.
But if you could peek into even the most prominent pastor’s inner world, you’d probably be shocked by the fight they have with themselves to read the Bible.
This isn’t a “you” problem. In fact, it isn’t a problem at all. What if this was actually an opportunity? The beginning of something new?
This post will be all about how to start reading the Bible again.
Are you ready? Let’s geaux!
What Do You Do When You Lose Something
When it comes to the things of God, we usually overthink and over-spiritualize things. God is very simple and practical.
Don’t get me wrong, there is depth to everything He says and does. But when it comes to us, He is very aware of what we are.
We’re human beings. We’re not automatically going to think spiritually. We have to relearn how to live the way we were originally designed.
I say all this to say, don’t overthink this.
If you lost something, what do you do to find it? You’d probably revisit the places you’ve already been, right?
If I lost my keys, I’d start with the last place I had them and keep looking until I found them.
I wouldn’t focus on the fact that I lost my keys. I’d focus on finding them.
So what if this is a chance for you to find your desire again?
Reflection Question: When is the last time you remember having your desire to read your Bible? Where were you?
What Is Desire
There are multiple definitions of desire. It could be defined as a longing, an appetite, a prayer, or a feeling.
What it boils down to, however, is that desire is something that you choose to feed.
Why Do I Feel Nothing When I Read The Bible
Feelings are a huge part of why we do what we do, especially as women. We are wired to feel our way through life.
But Bestie, feelings are not the way to the truth or the life that we desire.
Think about it:
- Your feelings may tell you to stay in bed a little longer, but you know that would cause you to rush.
- Your feelings may say you should give up because you’ve been through enough, but you know God has given you His word. Plus you know that God has never been a liar.
Your feelings may tell you all kinds of things, but you’re well aware that you can override them. You just pick and choose when you do so which brings me to my next reflection questions.
Reflection Question: Did you lose desire because you didn’t feel anything when reading your Bible? Or was it do to lack of results in your life?
I ask this because I get it.
You’re not reading your Bible just to read it. You want some type of change to happen.
But let me be real:
Change happens inwardly first, and you don’t always notice it happening.
Why Did You Lose Your Desire To Read The Bible
Not getting results isn’t the only way to lose your desire. Before we find it again, let’s figure out how we lost it in the first place.
What was it for you?
Here are some ways our desire to read the Bible can fade:
- Busyness
- Feeling apathetic
- Putting too much pressure on yourself to know and understand
- Your thoughts surrounding reading the Bible
- A rigid quiet time routine
- Distractions
- Dopamine overload
- Watching adult content
- Guilt/Shame
- Frustration due to Bible translation
- ADHD
How To Start Reading The Bible Again
1. Discipline Yourself
If you want anything bad enough, you’ll do what you need to do to make it happen, even when you don’t feel like it.
With that being said, discipline always will precede desire.
Remember, actions produce feelings. So every day, pick a time or a moment to read and keep it.
For example, I don’t always keep my set meeting times with God, but every morning after I take care of my hygiene, I’m in His face.
It doesn’t always have to be a set time if that doesn’t work for you.
Choose something you do every day and decide to open the Bible before or after that specific thing.
2. Use A Devotional With Scriptures
Even after all this time, I still have trouble knowing exactly where to go in my Bible.
What I’ve come to realize is that that’s just a part of the journey.
I find that devotionals help a lot!
Anytime I don’t know where to go, I pull out my devotional and trust that God will meet me there.
3. Practice Just Opening Your Bible
This little step goes a long way. Every day, there is something you do right?
Whether its taking care of your hygeine or sitting down for dinner, you have moments when you can simply open your Bible.
Bestie, what this does is train your mind to eventually follow through with action.
Even if you read one verse that’s a win.
You’re building the habit of showing up and God will honor that step and help you to read more.
4. Listen To The Bible
There have been times when I listened to the Bible while following along in my physical Bible.
It helped me because I tend to lose focus, and honestly, it’s comforting.
It’s almost like having another person reading the Bible with you and God.
If listening helps you to engage with Scripture, do that.
5. Read The Bible With A Friend
Although there will be times when you’re alone with the Lord, there’s nothing wrong with reading the Bible with a friend.
Sometimes you need that boost of encouragement, motivation, and accountability to keep going in what you know is right.
You don’t have to do everything alone.
6. Ask God A Question And Research Using His Word
A lot of the answers to our questions can be found in scripture.
Something I do is research a scripture or topic I’m curious about using Google. Then I head to my Bible and read the surrounding text.
Before I know it, I’ve read a huge chunk of scripture, found the answer to my question, and discovered God’s mind on the subject.
Sometimes your curiosity can be the thing that gets you back into the Word.
7. Take The Pressure Off Of Yourself To Know And Understand
Of all of the reasons we lose our desire, I want to deal with the pressure to know and understand because I get it.
Learning the Bible is like learning a new language. There are things you’re going to understand immediately, and there are things that are going to take time.
It’s not your job to teach yourself everything.
The Teacher is present when we read His Word. All we have to do is show up and invite Him in to teach us.
God knows there are things you won’t understand right away. He already promised that He would teach us because He knew we wouldn’t understand from His point of view.
Remember your relationship with God is a partnership.
He’s going to do His part, and your part is simply being willing to learn, even if it starts with just opening your Bible everyday.
8. Let Go Of Your Expectations
I’ll be real. I know I’ve missed God many times because I focused on what things were supposed to look like in my own mind.
Bestie, let me ask this question, and then we’ll wrap up this post.
When you say you’ve lost your desire for reading the Bible, what do you actually mean?
I want you to really think about that because it can look different for all of us.
What is it that you think you should be doing?
Reflection Question: Do you think that you’re expected to sit in a room for hours at a time to read the Bible? What are you picturing in your mind?
Bestie, God isn’t over your shoulder saying you need to read five chapters a day in order to be with Him. He’s not requiring you to complete an exit ticket like you did in school.
He’s drawing you back to Him helping you to find your desire for His word again. This is the beginning of something new for you; a rebirth of your desire for Christ.
This post was all about how to start reading the Bible again.
Before You Go…Let’s Recap
How to start reading the Bible again:
- Discipline yourself-Discipline will always precede desire.
- Use a devotional-This helps when you don’t know where to go.
- Practice opening your Bible-Even if you read one verse, that’s a win!
- Listen to the Bible-If listening helps you engage with scripture, do that.
- Read the Bible with a friend-There’s nothing wrong with this!
- Ask God a question and research using His word-Sometimes curiosity can be the thing that gets you back into the word.
- Take the pressure off of yourself-It’s not your job to teach yourself.
- Let go of your expectations-What are you picturing in your mind when it comes to reading your Bible.
If You Enjoyed This Post, You’ll Love These:
How To Get Close To God Again When You Feel Disconnected
How To Start Again After Quitting On Yourself
How To Come Back To God When You Feel Too Ashamed To Try
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Always remember that you’re destined to win because He got up!
-Devyn Janae
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