Overcoming Bible Struggles: Part One

There’s a quiet guilt that lingers in the background for many Christians—the sense that we should be reading the Bible more, but somehow, we just don’t. We love God, we believe the Bible is important, yet when it comes to actually opening its pages, we hesitate. Maybe we’re too busy, too distracted, or too overwhelmed by where to even begin.

If you’ve ever felt this way, take a deep breath. You’re not alone. In fact, you’re in the company of countless believers who, despite their best intentions, find themselves struggling to make Scripture a part of their daily lives. But what if this struggle isn’t a sign of failure? What if it’s an invitation—an open door to rediscovering the Bible in a way that feels fresh, life-giving, and sustainable?

The Myth of “Not Enough Time”

One of the most common reasons people give for not reading the Bible is time. Life is full—work, family, responsibilities, the endless stream of notifications calling for our attention. At the end of the day, we crash on the sofa, exhausted, and the idea of reading anything—let alone an ancient text—feels like just another thing on the to-do list.

But here’s the truth: we always make time for what we value. The real issue isn’t time; it’s that Bible reading often feels like work rather than rest. We imagine it as something we need to accomplish rather than experience. Yet, what if reading Scripture wasn’t about completing a task, but about meeting with God? What if, instead of aiming for long reading sessions, we simply started small—just five minutes in the morning, a single Psalm before bed, a verse to meditate on during the day?

The Bible isn’t meant to be a burden; it’s meant to be a source of life. When we shift our mindset from obligation to invitation, everything changes.

Where Do I Even Start?

Many people avoid the Bible because they don’t know where to begin. They open to a random page, land somewhere in Leviticus, and quickly close it again. Others start strong in Genesis, only to lose momentum somewhere around the detailed temple instructions in Exodus.

If that’s you, take heart. The Bible isn’t meant to be read like a novel, from start to finish. Instead, begin where the story of Jesus unfolds—in the Gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John introduce us to the heart of God through the person of Jesus, making them a perfect entry point. If you’re longing for encouragement, start with Psalms. If you’re searching for wisdom for daily life, Proverbs is rich with insight.

And don’t underestimate the power of a good translation. If the Bible has felt dense and inaccessible, consider reading in a translation that’s clear and engaging, like the NIV, NLT, or Good News Bible. Scripture is meant to be understood, not just admired from a distance.

What If the Bible Feels Hard to Understand?

The Bible was written in a different time, place, and culture, which means some parts can feel confusing or disconnected from everyday life. But rather than letting that become a roadblock, what if we saw it as an invitation to slow down and lean in?

Instead of worrying about understanding everything, focus on understanding something. Ask simple questions: What does this reveal about God? What does this say about humanity? How does this connect to Jesus? Study Bibles, devotional guides, and journaling Bibles can also help bridge the gap, offering context and reflections that make Scripture more accessible.

More than anything, trust that the Bible is not just words on a page—it’s living, breathing, and meant to shape us over time. Even if a passage doesn’t immediately “click,” God’s Spirit is at work, planting seeds that will grow in ways we can’t yet see.

The Struggle to Stay Engaged

Let’s be honest—sometimes, reading the Bible feels dry. Other times, distractions seem to win the battle before we even begin. We live in an age of instant gratification, where scrolling through our phones feels effortless and reading requires effort.

But here’s a secret: engagement comes through interaction. The more we participate in the Word, the more it comes alive. Try highlighting verses that stand out, writing prayers in the margins, or keeping a journal of insights and questions. Read with a friend, join a study group, or listen to an audio Bible while driving. Scripture was never meant to be a solo experience—it’s a communal, interactive journey.

What If I Don’t Feel Anything?

One of the greatest unspoken fears is that we’ll open the Bible, read a passage, and feel… nothing. No lightning bolt moment. No deep revelation. Just words on a page.

But spiritual growth is like planting a seed—it happens beneath the surface, long before we see the fruit. Some days, reading Scripture will feel rich and transformative. On other days, it will feel ordinary. But every time we open the Bible, whether we realize it or not, we are being shaped. God’s Word is at work in us, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

You’re Not Alone—And You Can Start Fresh

If Bible reading has felt like a struggle, you’re not failing—you’re human. But what if, instead of letting guilt hold you back, you saw this as an opportunity to start fresh? What if you approached the Bible not as a burden, but as a conversation? Not as something to master, but as something to be shaped by?

You don’t have to read for hours. You don’t have to understand everything. You just have to start. And as you do, trust that God is already meeting you there.

In the next post, we’ll explore the simplest way to start reading the Bible—even if it feels overwhelming. But for now, take a moment to ask yourself: What’s one small way I can engage with Scripture today?

And if you’re looking for a Bible that makes reading easier, you can explore a selection of accessible and engaging Bibles here. Because sometimes, the right Bible can make all the difference.