How to delight in reading the Bible

This week I have discussed 3 main reasons why we find reading the Bible boring:

1. The subject matter seems irrelevant

2. The subject matter is complex

3. Satan does not want you to read it.

Today I want to discuss the practical strategy I have implemented to try and combat these. And they centre around one big main idea: Slow down.

John Mark Comer, pastor and teacher, discusses how you cannot have a relationship with Jesus in hurried life. And the busier I get in life, the more I realize how true this statement is.

Reading the Bible is ultimately about getting to know the creator. The God of the Universe.

And if you are in a hurry to do it, well, it likely won’t happen much at all.

So what does it look like to practically slow down, and how does it combat these points?

Pray (really pray)

Firstly, I would recommend praying before you read your Bible.

And I don’t mean for 2 seconds in your head like “Lord help me as a I read the Bible, Amen.” Trust me, I have done this more times than I can count.

No, I mean really praying. Getting on your knees for 15+ minutes and talking to God. This does 3 things:

1. It brings you into relationship with him and helps combat the Devil while you read.

2. It slows down your mind (which is probably going 100 miles an hour) and forces you to focus on Him.

3. It will (almost like magic) make what you are about to read seem a lot more relevant.

Read Slowly

Secondly, When you actually read the Bible, Read Slowly.

Take your time. Don’t be in a rush to just “get your chapters in” for the day. Yes I strongly believe reading the Bible is better than not reading at all. But better still is to take time with it, getting to know the author through the words written.

Slowing down also forces you to think about what you reading, and helps you navigate complex or difficult passages where you may need to read it many times before you even understand what they are saying, let alone the message behind it. 

Reading from rest

If you read the Bible from a place of rest, having prayed and decided to slow down, you will find that certain verses or passages you never noticed before begin to stand out, you will think upon them, and they will touch your heart and soul as they never have before.

No longer will reading be a just a duty as a “good christian.”

It will transform into a delight.

Just as God created it to be.

Until next time,

Be Blessed,

Aaron

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