Overcoming Bible Struggles: Part Five

Most of us want to grow. We want to be more peaceful, more grounded, more like Jesus. We long for wisdom in our decisions, strength in our struggles, and a sense of direction when life feels uncertain.

And deep down, we know that the Bible should be a source of all those things. We’ve heard the verses—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). We know Scripture is meant to shape us, guide us, even transform us.

But here’s the hard truth: the Bible can only change your life if you actually engage with it.

It’s not enough to own a Bible. It’s not even enough to believe in its truth. The power of Scripture is unlocked when we make space for it in our daily lives—when we don’t just read it, but let it read us.

The Bible Isn’t Just Information—It’s Transformation

It’s easy to treat the Bible like any other book—something to study, analyze, or skim through when we need an answer. But the Bible wasn’t given to us just to inform us—it was given to transform us.

Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Scripture has a way of cutting through the noise of our lives, exposing what’s really going on beneath the surface. It challenges us. It comforts us. It calls us into something deeper.

But that only happens if we approach it with an open heart, willing to listen, reflect, and respond.

How the Bible Changes Us (If We Let It)

1. It Shifts Our Perspective

Life has a way of shrinking our focus down to the urgent, but the Bible lifts our eyes to the eternal. It reminds us that there’s a bigger story unfolding—that we’re not alone, that God is at work, that hope is never out of reach.

When you spend time in Scripture, your mindset begins to shift. Worry is replaced with trust. Fear is replaced with faith. Instead of reacting to life, you start responding from a place of wisdom and peace.

2. It Rewires Our Thinking

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

We’re constantly being shaped by what we consume—social media, news, entertainment. But if we want to think differently, we need to fill our minds with something different.

Scripture has the power to retrain the way we think, aligning our thoughts with God’s truth rather than the shifting opinions of culture. The more time we spend in the Bible, the more we begin to see ourselves, others, and the world through God’s lens.

3. It Strengthens Us in Difficulty

When life is good, it’s easy to forget our need for God. But when storms come—when loss, disappointment, or uncertainty hit—we realize how much we need something solid to stand on.

Jesus told a parable about this in Matthew 7:24-27. He described two builders—one who built his house on the rock, and another who built on sand. When the storms came, only one house stood firm.

The difference wasn’t the storm. The difference was the foundation.

The storms of life will come. The question is, what will you be standing on? When Scripture is woven into your life, it becomes your anchor. It doesn’t take the storm away, but it keeps you steady in the middle of it.

4. It Shapes Our Character

We live in a world that prioritizes outward success—achievements, reputation, image. But the Bible calls us to something deeper. It calls us to become people of love, integrity, humility, and grace.

Psalm 1:2-3 describes the person who delights in God’s Word as “like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.”

Fruit doesn’t grow overnight. Character doesn’t develop instantly. But as we let Scripture take root in us, it slowly shapes us into people who reflect Jesus—not just in what we believe, but in how we live.

So… What’s Stopping You?

Maybe you’ve wanted to be more consistent in the Bible but have struggled with time, motivation, or understanding. Maybe you’ve started and stopped so many times that you feel like you’ve failed. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s even worth trying again.

But here’s the truth: it’s never too late to start.

And you don’t have to do it perfectly. Just open your Bible. Read one verse. Reflect on one truth. Let it sink in. And then do it again tomorrow.

The Bible isn’t just another book to check off a reading list. It’s an invitation into something deeper—into knowing God, being shaped by His wisdom, and discovering the life He created you for.

Where Do You Go From Here?

If you’re ready to make the Bible part of your everyday life, here are a few next steps:

• Choose a Bible that works for you. A Study Bible for deeper insights, a Journaling Bible to engage creatively, an Audio Bible to listen on the go—find what fits your life.
• Find a reading rhythm that’s sustainable. Start small, but stay consistent. Even five minutes a day will make a difference.
• Don’t do it alone. Read with a friend, join a group, or share what you’re learning. Scripture was meant to be lived in community.
• Pray before you read. Ask God to speak to you through His Word. And then read with expectation.

The Bible has the power to change your life—not because of the book itself, but because of the God who speaks through it.

So open it. Read it. Let it shape you.

And if you’re looking for a Bible that can help you engage more deeply, you can explore our selection here. Because sometimes, finding the right Bible is the first step toward truly experiencing the power of Scripture.

And we are here to help you find the right Bible every time.