Reading the bible gives us the pathway and guidance of how to live a life that God has called us to. It teaches us how to purposefully live a life full of love and grace. That is why opening ourbible daily is crucial to building a close relationship with Jesus, but it’s not always easy.
I remember when I first became a Christian, the bible was often confusing to me, and I didn’t really understand it. If I’m being honest, even after years of following Jesus Christ, I can still find it confusing. I would sit in service on a Sunday morning and just be filled by the Holy Spirit and the sermon always spoke to me, but when I went home and opened the bible, I would get nothing. It just wouldn’t speak to me the same way as listening to the Pastor. Doubts would creep into my heart and mind and insecurities of my faith and my relationship with Christ would creep in. Can you relate?
I am here to tell you I learned it was Satan just trying to throw a wedge in between me and God. Don’t let it! Accepting and/or recommitting your life to Christ is an amazing choice and it can be overwhelming, but learning how the bible can come alive to you is an adventure. The bible can bring you through a slew of emotions, but it’s like riding a fun rollercoaster. The more you read and learn God’s truth, the more your heart aligns with God’s calling for you. Your pursuit to read the bible becomes a road map to contentment and joy in your life, even during hard trials.
The bible is like a soap opera in a way. There are stories of murder, prostitution, betrayal, cruelty, love, selfishness, selflessness, cheating, lies, and so much more. How can the bible be boring when you read all these stories! The answer is it can’t be! We just need to make the pages come alive. But how do we do that? How do we make reading the bible come alive in our minds to where we can’t put it down?
I learned over the course of the years a few things:
1) Pray before you read or listen to the bible. I will ask Jesus to show me what scripture he wants me to pay attention to that day, and without fail something will always pop off the page for me. It’s God’s way of speaking directly to me and I absolutely love it.
2) Choose reading plans on the bible app or bible studies. I follow along and it gives me the context I need to understand scripture. Right now, we are doing the BibleProject|New Testament in One Year with Crossroads on the Bible App. A perfect place to start.
3) Join a small group or House of Study with crossroads so you can discuss the bible with other Christians. Ask your questions in the community you are building.
One thing I must remind myself is to not think less of myself for not understanding something, or not having enough time to read the bible like I should or like how anyone else is. Comparison can be an ugly game. I used to beat myself up because I just didn’t have an hour to read the bible every day. I work full-time and have two young children. But God…. He showed me that He loves me where I’m at and it’s all about where my heart is. Push those insecurities away if you have any and put one foot in front of the other and enjoy the ride of becoming closer to Christ by reading the bible. Learn how God used everyday people like you and me and become God’s tool in this crazy world of ours to show love to ourselves and others.