Recognise the reality - and don't panic!
The first important step is to realise you are not the first to hit this snag, nor will you be the last. So don't panic. Neither do we cut ourselves off from God's love or care by missing out on a bit of bible reading, even though it is important for our growth in faith.
Why might the problem occur?
- reading the Bible helps us grow spiritually, and Satan hates a growing Christian. Look at 1 Peter 5:8-9
- humanly speaking, in many activities, we have enthusiastic bursts and then our immediate zeal wanes. Psychologically we often look for fresh stimuli and new ventures.
- if we are struggling to understand we may get discouraged
- if we are doing it all alone, we may lose heart
- if we have a translation of the bible that is not straightforward enough, we may struggle
- if we are either not using notes, or using unsuitable ones, we may not understand
How might we combat these?
- look again at 1 Peter 5:8-9. We are encouraged to :
- be self-controlled. We need a certain amount of discipline, and determination
- be alert. Realise that the devil does want to disrupt your bible reading
- resist the devil. Decide afresh that Jesus is Lord of your life, and you are not going to be kicked around by Satan
- stand firm, because you are not alone. Be comforted and encouraged that others are facing and overcoming the same problems
- humanly we need to remotivate ourselves from time to time. If you are struggling, go back to basics. Remember what Jesus has done for you. Realise that the Bible is God's provision for you (look at 2 Timothy 3:14-17). Consider a fresh approach.
- don't be afraid to ask others for help with understanding
- if practicable, share your reading with your husband/wife, or with a Christian friend
- talk to someone about other translations of the bible. They each put the truth into English, but some are easier to read than others. The Good News Bible is probably the most straightforward, but does sacrifice a certain amount of detail in the process
- if you haven't already done so, try using daily notes to help you. If you don't know what these are, either ask someone at church, or e-mail us
Sharing experience
Find someone else to talk with about your experience so far of bible reading. Try to encourage one another, and see if there are ways you can think of to make regular bible reading more possible, and more fulfilling.
Any questions?
If you have any queries, or comments, then e-mail us and we'll get back to you
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2 Timothy 3:14-17
14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
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