Why You Struggle to Read the Bible Daily (And How to Fix It)
If you want to overcome procrastination, laziness, and inconsistency when it comes to daily reading the Word of God, then you need to get to the root of the issue. Whether you see yourself as a disciplined reader or not, if you address the real problems with neglect of the Word, you can become that Christian who consistently reads the Word, knows the Word, memorizes Scripture, and most importantly, lives in obedience to God’s Word. You just need to get serious about addressing the real issues.
Here are the root causes of neglect of the Word, along with solutions to address them.
#1 - Demonic Attack
Now, I’m not a fan of blaming every problem on demons. And I do believe that far too many Christians blame far too many of their problems on demonic attack. But we do have to acknowledge this reality: we are in a spiritual battle. The Devil attempts to steal the Word from your life.
“The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts.” - Matthew 13:19 (NLT)
How to Overcome Demonic Attack:
You overcome demonic attack through obedience and submission to God. The enemy can only defeat, destroy, and deceive you where you allow disobedience in either thought, word, or deed.
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” - James 4:7 (NLT)
#2 - Doubt
Some Christians neglect the Word of God because of doubt. On an intellectual level, they acknowledge that the Bible is the Word of God. But somewhere deep within, there is doubt. They don’t deeply believe that when they read the Bible, God is talking to them. They don’t really believe it’s going to make all that big of a difference. They don’t really believe they’re forgiven by God and, thus, they allow shame to keep them from the Bible, just as Adam and Eve hid when they sinned.
If we truly allowed ourselves to believe the truth, that God wants to talk to us through our daily Bible reading, then we would be filled with excitement to read the Bible. We’d be like children on Christmas morning, opening a much-anticipated gift.
How to Overcome Doubt:
You overcome doubt through thinking on the truth: that God’s Word is powerful and that it will make a difference.
“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. 11 It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” - Isaiah 55:10-11 (NLT)
#3 - Disorder
You can either run the day, or the day will run you. You can’t just wake up in the morning without a plan or intention for your time and schedule. Instead of just waking up and addressing life as it comes your way, you need to be a good steward of your time and plan. You can’t be consistent in the Word without intention and a schedule. Even Jesus moved with intention and scheduled appointments - He didn’t just aimlessly wander.
Instead of scattering your tasks over the day, collect and take charge over them. Place them with intention where they best fit. This way, you won’t be rushed when you read the Word, because your Bible-reading will have a dedicated place. Instead of trying to squeeze Biblical devotion into a chaotic schedule, plan your day around the Word.
How to Overcome Disorder:
The solution to disorder is discipline.
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” - Colossians 3:23 (NLT)
#4 - Distraction
If disorder is a scattered schedule, then distraction is a scattered mind. When reading the Word, you may find your mind wandering, or you may find it difficult to understand what you’re reading. This is because your focus is not regularly being exercised.
How to Overcome Distraction:
You strengthen your ability to focus through the power of Biblical meditation:
“Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.” - Psalm 119:148 (KJV)
Don’t just read the Scriptures and then move on to the next thing. Pause to ponder. Hold the truth in your mind. Repeat the verses in your mind. Think about it. Speak it out loud. Pray it. And allow your soul to absorb all of the spiritual nutrients.
You Can Become Consistent
You can become consistent in Bible reading. Just address the root causes of neglect, procrastination, and laziness. Defeat demonic attack through submission to God. Overcome doubt through choosing to believe the truth about the power of God’s Word. Remove disorder by becoming organized with your time. And cure your distracted mind by exercising your focus by meditating on God’s Word.
I go more in depth into this in my teaching, “I want to read my bible but don’t. The spiritual reasons why & how to fix,” you can watch it now by clicking here.
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